New Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Building Inaugurated in Villingili

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Dr Mohamed Muizzu has inaugurated a new building for the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Villingili.

The President inaugurated the facility at a special ceremony held in Villingili.

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The MRCC serves as the main centre for coordinating efforts to save lives and protect property during maritime and aerial incidents in the Maldives. The Government of Japan funded the construction of the new building.

President Dr @MMuizzu inaugurates the new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) building, reflecting the Administration’s continued commitment to strengthening maritime safety and emergency response services. pic.twitter.com/gcrIVBfj3s— The President’s Office (@presidencymv) July 27, 2026

The foundation stone was laid on 23 June 2022. However, construction was delayed for various reasons before the current administration prioritised accelerating the project, according to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

The new facility includes a modern operations room for coordinating maritime and aerial incidents, as well as classrooms and an auditorium for training and human resource development.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) coordinated the project, while the Australian Government assisted with equipping and establishing resources for the facility.

The MNDF said the new building would further strengthen efforts to save lives and protect property during maritime incidents, while enhancing the operational capabilities of the Coast Guard.

MRCC services in the Maldives began under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). A GMDSS operations centre opened in Villingili in January 2006. The centre was renamed the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre on 27 July 2012 to strengthen search and rescue operations in Maldivian waters and centralise coordination.

According to the MNDF, the MRCC received reports of 3,713 incidents over the past 10 years. Coordinated operations conducted by the MRCC and the service’s Area Commands saved the lives of 8,359 people and protected vessels and property during that period.