Feeali Ice Plant, Operational Since September 2025, Destroyed in Harbour Fire

The ice plant at Feeali Harbour in Faafu Atoll, brought to operation by Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) since September 2025, was destroyed in a fire at the harbour this morning.

MIFCO confirmed the 25-ton facility, located approximately 15 feet from the fuel boat that caught fire, was burnt beyond use.

The company had taken over the Feeali ice plant in February 2025, alongside 13 other ice plants previously managed by Fenaka Corporation. Originally operated by MIFCO, the plants were handed to Fenaka on 22 September 2022. Under Fenaka’s management, operations slowed, and the corporation announced in August 2024 its intention to cease activities before returning control to MIFCO in 2025.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) reported that the fire on the fuel boat was first reported at around 09:30 on 9 April 2026. Firefighters from the MNDF Central Area Command, including Nilandhoo and Kudahuvadhoo stations, arrived promptly and extinguished the fire by 10:35.

An expatriate sustained burn injuries and is being treated at the Feeali Health Centre. Another individual, initially reported missing, was later found on a drifting pallet by a passing supply vessel and is receiving treatment at Gan Regional Hospital in Laamu Atoll.

The fire also damaged three other boats in addition to the ice plant. Authorities continue to assess the full impact of the incident.