Three Somali nationals ended up on Vavathi, an uninhabited island in Noonu atoll, Maldives, and have now been handed over to Maldives Immigration. These individuals are currently detained at the Immigration facility in Hulhumale’ Phase 2, as confirmed by a police media official.
Initially, local police provided temporary shelter for the men in Noonu atoll Holhudhoo. Public attention was drawn to their presence when a video showing them walking through the island’s streets surfaced on social media.
Reports indicate that the “Armaajo 1” dinghy carried the Somali men to Vavathi, but police have not disclosed additional details about their situation. Similar incidents have occurred before, with Somali boats occasionally drifting into Maldivian waters, sometimes linked to piracy concerns.
The authorities have not yet determined if these men are connected to piracy, but they are investigating the incident to ensure it is handled appropriately.
