Efforts have begun to refloat a fuel barge belonging to the state-owned Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM) after it ran aground on the reef of Gaafu Alifu Atoll Nilandhoo.

Nilandhoo Council President Ibrahim Nasih informed Mihaaru News that a large vessel has been brought near the island to assist in the operation. "Efforts to refloat the barge are now underway," he confirmed.

Nasih noted that, thus far, there are no indications of significant damage or fuel leakage. "There will be some damage when it hits the reef, but it doesn’t seem to have broken. There is no fuel leakage yet," he stated.

The council plans to closely monitor the situation and evaluate the damage to the reef once the barge is successfully refloated, Nasih added.

FSM has not yet released an official statement about the incident.