Police urge against non-essential sea travel due to bad weather

The Maldives Police Service has urged seafarers to avoid non-essential travel due to worsening weather and rough seas.

Advising caution regarding the weather while travelling by sea, the Maldives Police Service requested obtaining the latest weather information before departing, acting in accordance with weather alerts, not exceeding the passenger and cargo capacity of the vessel, and avoiding non-essential travel.

Furthermore, the police service requested fulfilling all safety requirements on the vessel, ensuring all passengers wear life jackets, and displaying emergency contact numbers visibly on the vessel. They also requested calling the National Emergency Call Centre at 911 in case of an emergency.

As the Southwest Monsoon intensifies, bringing rain to various parts of the Maldives, the National Meteorological Centre has predicted rough seas and strong winds for some areas. The centre stated that winds are expected from the west and northwest at speeds between 13 to 23 miles per hour, with gusts potentially reaching up to 45 miles per hour.

A White Alert has been issued from HA. Atoll to ADh. Atoll until 10:30 tonight. Winds are expected to blow between 19 to 24 miles per hour in these atolls, with gusts up to 45 miles per hour. Seas are also expected to be rough.

Due to the bad weather, the National Meteorological Centre has urged everyone, especially seafarers, to be cautious of the weather.