Feeali council estimates losses above MVR 20 million after oil tanker fire damages boats and ice plant

A fire that broke out on an oil tanker in the harbour of F. Feeali on Thursday has caused an estimated MVR 20 million in damages, according to the island council.

Feeali Council President Moosa Ahmed told Sun that the fire damaged the island’s ice plant and four boats, including an oil boat that was carrying fuel to the island.

A foreign worker sustained serious burn injuries in the incident and was taken to the Feeali Health Centre for treatment.

Moosa said the island currently has only enough petrol and diesel for limited use. He added that Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM) has assured support if additional fuel is required.

He also noted that MIFCO is scheduled to visit the island on Friday to assess the damage to the ice plant.

Moosa estimated that the total loss could exceed MVR 20 million, noting that three of the damaged fishing boats belonged to three families.

“Three fishing boats belonging to three families have been lost, a loss of about MVR 20 million, or even more,” he said, adding that these boats were the families’ primary source of income.

A source told Sun that the fire began as the tanker approached the harbour to offload fuel.

Police said they received the report at 9:15am, and the fire was brought under control at 10:35am. An investigation is underway.