Police rescue 72 people, including 67 tourists, after ferry runs aground

A ferry carrying a large number of tourists was rescued by police on Thursday after its engine stopped and the vessel ran aground.

Police said the incident occurred at 1124 hours, with 72 people on board. Of them, 67 were tourists, including children. The remaining passengers were three Maldivian crew members and two expatriate crew members.

According to police, all passengers were safely rescued and no injuries were reported.

Photos shared by police on social media show the stranded ferry and officers transferring passengers onto police speedboats, all wearing life jackets.

Police said the ferry is now being recovered by its owner.