ERA on oil tanker wrecking: Damage assessment will be conducted once weather permits

The Environment Regulatory Authority (ERA) has stated that surveys to assess environmental damage caused by two large oil tankers that was cast adrift and collided with the Malé eastern reef and a pillar of the Sinamalé Bridge will commence once weather conditions permit.

Speaking with Sun, ERA’s Chief Executive Officer Hassan Mohamed confirmed that, according to the latest information from the authority's team, survey work has yet to begin due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions.

He noted that the decision was made in accordance with advice from the Coast Guard.

"Our ERA survey team will conduct an assessment when conditions are favorable,” he added.

The incident occurred last Thursday night and involved two oil tankers, "MTKG 1" and "AL 1," which had been placed under Customs custody for illegally entering Maldivian waters. According to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), the vessels subseuently drifted beneath the bridge before sinking approximately 30 nautical miles outside Maldivian territory.

In a statement regarding the incident, the Malé City Council claimed that the vessels' collision with the eastern reef and a bridge pillar had caused significant damage. The council called on relevant government authorities to seek compensation for the damage and ensure the structural integrity and safety of the bridge.

However, relevant authorities had previously stated that the main structure of the Sinamalé Bridge sustained no damage in the incident.