Construction Minister Dr. Abdullah Muththalib has said that the Sinamalé Bridge suffered no major structural damage after oil boats drifted and struck the bridge near Malé, though some small railings were damaged.
According to the minister, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), which maintains the bridge, has completed an inspection and will repair the railings in line with established standards.
To prevent similar incidents, Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) is working to obtain two powerful tugboats that can stop vessels that lose control before they reach the bridge. The minister said the tugboats are expected within the next two months. Harbour berthing procedures will also be reviewed, and protocols for emergency situations will be prepared with the Coast Guard and related agencies.
The two vessels that drifted into the bridge in rough weather were tankers that had entered Maldivian waters without authorisation and were being held for investigation. The boats, with 20 Indian crew members on board, drifted from near Kanivela on the northern side of Malé.
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