Fuel Barge Refloated After Running Aground in Gaafu Alifu Atoll

The fuel barge that ran aground on the Nilandhoo reef in Gaafu Alifu Atoll on Sunday morning has been successfully refloated.

According to Ibrahim Nasih, President of the Nilandhoo Council, the vessel was refloated at approximately 06:00 hrs on Monday with assistance from another ship belonging to the same company.

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Despite the successful recovery, Nasih reported significant damage to the reef. “The reef sustained severe damage. A substantial portion of it was cut up and destroyed. However, no traces of fuel were observed,” he said.

The council is currently consulting with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the next steps. The EPA typically imposes substantial fines in cases of reef damage.

Efforts to reach Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM), the company operating the barge, for comment have been unsuccessful.