Fishing Vessel Fully Submerged Near K. Dhoonidhoo After Fire

The handline fishing vessel Fresh From The Sea has fully submerged near Kaafu Dhoonidhoo yesterday after an onboard fire which occurred in the afternoon, the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has confirmed. 

MNDF reported last night that following the submersion of the boat, debris from the wreck is drifting approximately 0.38 nautical miles north-west of Dhoonidhoo. According to MNDF, current projections indicate that the debris field is moving southwards from the site of the sinking.

Authorities have urged all mariners and travellers in the area to remain vigilant, warning that floating debris may pose a navigational hazard. They specifically advised vessels operating in the vicinity, particularly at night, to exercise heightened caution.

ކ.ދޫނިދޫ ކައިރިން ދަތުރުކުރަމުންދިޔަ މަސް ދޯންޏެއްގައި އަލިފާން ރޯވެގެން އަޑިއަށްދިޔުމުން ބައެއް ތަކެތި އޮޔާ ދާތީ، ދަތުރުވެރިން ސަމާލުވުމަށް އިލްތިމާސްކުރަންhttps://t.co/IPPYIGqr3g pic.twitter.com/hJ8IeRhVMz— Maldives National Defence Force (@MNDF_Official) February 14, 2026

MNDF reported yesterday that its Hulhumalé Fire Station responded after receiving reports of a fishing boat carrying 15 people on fire near Dhoonidhoo. According to the MNDF, the vessel was burning extensively by the time emergency services were deployed.

Police said they received reports of the incident at approximately 2:45pm yesterday and confirmed that officers were active at the scene alongside the MNDF. 

MNDF carried out efforts to transport injured individuals to Malé, with assistance from a vessel dispatched from Kurumba Maldives resort. Police reported last night that a total of five people, comprising two Maldivians and three foreign nationals, were taken to Male’ for medical treatment.