A foreign tourist has died after being struck by a boat propeller while swimming in waters off Alif Dhaal Atoll, authorities confirmed on Monday.
According to the Maldives Police Service, the incident was reported at around 10:00 a.m., involving a German national who was in the water near Whale Shark Point, close to Fenfushi.
Police said the individual sustained fatal injuries after being hit by the propeller of a vessel operating in the area. Further details have not been disclosed, as the case remains under investigation.
The location falls within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) — a well-known hotspot for whale shark encounters that attracts large numbers of tourists throughout the year.
Maritime accidents of this nature have been reported from time to time in both Alif Alif and Alif Dhaal atolls, particularly in areas where marine tourism activities are concentrated.
In response to safety concerns, the Ministry of Environment introduced measures last year requiring vessels operating whale shark excursions in SAMPA to be fitted with propeller guards, aimed at reducing the risk of similar incidents.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the vessel involved in today’s accident was compliant with those safety requirements.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
