HRCM Investigates Crew Welfare After Oil Tankers Sink Outside Maldivian Waters

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) is investigating the condition and welfare of crew members aboard two oil tankers that later broke free from their anchors, struck a pillar of the Sinamalé Bridge and sank outside Maldivian territorial waters.

The Commission said the matter came to its attention in July after the crew reported that drinking water, food and essential supplies aboard the vessel had been depleted.

advertisement

advertisement

In a message sent to the media, HRCM said that the commission had subsequently assessed the crew’s medical condition, food supply and basic needs.

The Commission also said they had assisted the crew in July in coordination with the Maldives Police Service, Maldives Customs Service and the vessels’ designated local agent to address their needs and safeguard their rights.

The two tankers broke free from their anchors at Malé Harbour on Thursday night during severe weather. The vessels were under the custody of the Maldives Customs Service at the time.

According to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), all nine crew members aboard the two vessels were rescued.

The MNDF said the vessels were heavily aged iron boats and had taken on water as they drifted east of Malé Atoll. They subsequently sank about 30 nautical miles outside Maldivian territorial waters.

Following the collision with the Sinamalé Bridge, a special inspection was conducted with technical experts from China’s CCCC Second Harbor Engineering Company, the contractor involved in the construction of the bridge.

Construction and Infrastructure Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib said the inspection found no structural damage to the bridge.

HRCM said its investigation into the matter is ongoing.