Sea travel discouraged as Hulhangu monsoon intensifies

Authorities have urged the public to avoid all non-essential sea travel amid worsening weather conditions due to the intensifying southwest monsoon.

The Maldives Police Service and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) issued a joint advisory on Thursday, warning travelers to exercise extreme caution. They urged those who must travel to notify relevant authorities and ensure vessels are equipped with life jackets, communication systems, and drainage pumps. Cargo vessels were specifically advised not to overload.

The advisory also recommends avoiding night travel, postponing trips during active weather alerts, and refraining from sailing under yellow or orange warnings issued by the Maldives Meteorological Service.

The warning follows two serious sea incidents reported within 24 hours:

• Almaak Fiya, a 100-foot landing craft operated by Almaak Maldives, overturned early Thursday while en route from Male' city to K. Eriyadhoo. The vessel capsized 1.3 nautical miles off K. Thulhaagiri with seven crew members aboard. Four were rescued by the MNDF Coast Guard, while two of the three missing crew members have been confirmed dead.
• In a separate incident, the MNDF rescued five crew members from the cargo boat Nasr, which began sinking en route from Male' city to Lh. Naifaru. All crew were safely evacuated by the Coast Guard’s First Squadron.

The Maldives Meteorological Service has forecast strong westerly winds of 19 - 24 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph, and wave heights of 4 - 7 feet. The agency has issued yellow alerts for several regions and warned of scattered thunderstorms and squalls through October 20.

Authorities have emphasized that rough seas and poor visibility pose serious risks to small vessels and inter-island travel. Islanders, fishermen, and boat operators are urged to monitor official updates and delay travel unless absolutely necessary.