Man dies in fishing boat accident

An elderly person has died after two fishing boats collided in Noonu atoll this morning.

The police said that accident took place at 6:20 a.m. near Vihafaru reef, when a boat named Kirudhooni, which was out collecting bait, collided with a boat named Guruva.

The person who died was aged 77, while a man aged 78 who was injured is receiving treatment at Raa Ungoofaaru Hospital, said police.

Vice President of Noonu Velidhoo Council Ali Ahmeen told Sun Online that the man who died has been identified as Hassan Moosa, Annaarumaage, Noonu Velidhoo.

Sources have told Sun Online that Hassan Moosa was sitting on the side of the boat which collided with the incoming boat, and died after being caught between the two boats in this freak accident.

The person who is receiving treatment at Ungoofaaru Hospital suffered a broken shoulder after falling into the boat, said Ahmeen.

Ahmeen said that Kirudhooni was damaged on one side, while Guruva did not suffer any damage in the accident.

Police have arrested the 67-year-old driver of the boat, who has tested positive for drugs.