On January 5, the 24 meter long fuel barge Mekunu ran aground on a reef off Kaafu Atoll, Maldives. The cause of the grounding was not reported, but the vessel sustained minimal damage and no pollution was released. The Mekunu remained aground until January 7 when it was refloated by the Maldives Coast Guard. No reports of injuries.
On April 22, the 100 foot long cargo vessel Maavaa Star sank in the Indian Ocean off Vaavu Atoll, Maldives. The fully laden cargo vessel had run aground on a patch reef near Fulidhoo Island. The vessel contacted authorities and were later rescued. No reports of injuries to the 5 persons on board at the time. No further details reported.
The 84 meter long, 2187 dwt reefer Baroasaa caught fire in the Indian Ocean near Thilafushi, Maldives. The blaze quickly consumed the superstructure forcing 18 of the 19 crew to evacuate the vessel. One crewman was reported missing and presumed to have burned to death in the incident. Authorities were unable to board the Baroasaa and no fire fighting efforts were undertaken. No further details reported.
