Vilufushi vessel owner suffers 37 percent burns in fire incident

Mahmood Mohamed, the owner of two vessels that caught fire in the harbour of Thaa atoll Vilufushi on 1 July, has sustained burns to 37 percent of his body.

The fire broke out while Mahmood, who is in his 50s, was on board with a foreign national. While the foreigner was not seriously hurt, Mahmood sustained severe burns and was initially treated at the Vilufushi Health Centre before being transferred to Male' for further treatment.

A source close to Mahmood told Mihaaru News that he is now off the ventilator and recovering in the burn unit.

“He is talking, eating, and on the mend,” the source said.

According to Vilufushi Council, the first vessel caught fire after the fuel pump was switched on while the petrol tank was full. The second vessel is believed to have caught fire from the first.

This is the second time one of Mahmood’s fuel tankers has been involved in a fire. One of the two vessels destroyed in this incident had previously caught fire two years ago, after which it was repaired and returned to use.

Both vessels were completely destroyed in the latest incident and are beyond repair.