MNDF urges public to avoid non-essential sea travel

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has urged seafarers to pay close attention to the weather and avoid all non-essential sea travel.

As the Maldives Meteorological Service forecasts that the southwest monsoon remains strong over the Maldives region, with strong winds, rough seas, and rain, a white alert has already been issued for the entire country.

Due to the Met Office's forecast of bad weather, the public is urged to avoid non-essential sea travel, and those who must travel are urged to pay special attention to the weather. MNDF also advised not to travel without informing the relevant authorities beforehand, and to ensure that the traveling vessel is equipped with life jackets, communication systems, and dewatering pumps in good working condition.

In addition, cargo vessels are urged not to overload beyond their capacity and to secure goods properly. MNDF requested the public to avoid traveling at night and, if the weather does not permit, to postpone journeys until the weather improves. Furthermore, MNDF urged not to travel when the Maldives Meteorological Service has issued a yellow or orange alert.