Special Police Team Deployed to Investigate Feeali Harbour Fire

A special police team has been deployed to Feeali to investigate a fire that caused extensive damage to an oil tanker and several nearby vessels.

Police received reports of the fire on a tanker moored at the Feeali harbour at 9:15am on last Thursday. The blaze was brought under control by 10:35am, but not before it spread to three boats and destroyed the island’s ice plant.

The investigation has been given priority, with a dedicated team from Malé now stationed on the island to carry out further inquiries. Police officers have also met with the Feeali Council to provide updates on the ongoing investigation and discuss measures being taken, with the meeting led by Chief Superintendent of Police Ahmed Azhan and attended by senior officers and council members.

Authorities have emphasised the importance of cooperation between institutions to prevent similar incidents and strengthen safety measures. Residents of the island were also acknowledged for their assistance in controlling the fire and supporting emergency response efforts.

The Feeali Council has raised concern over the scale of the damage to vessels and island infrastructure, urging that the investigation into the cause of the fire be completed as soon as possible.

One person, a Bangladeshi crew member working on the tanker, sustained severe burns in the incident. He was initially treated at the Feeali Health Centre before being transferred to Malé for further medical care, where he remains on a ventilator.

The fire is estimated to have caused losses exceeding MVR 20 million, with three boats belonging to local families completely destroyed.