A Singaporean national, who jumped from a boat while on an excursion near Dhigurah Island in Alifu Dhaalu (ADh.) Atoll, has died after being hit by the boat’s propeller.
The deceased was a 15-year-old girl and part of a Singaporean contingent visiting the country for a whale shark study, the police confirmed.
Manager at the Dhigurah Health Center, Ibrahim Asif, confirmed that the incident occurred early morning on Friday.
“She jumped into the sea while on a snorkelling trip and was injured when hit by the boat’s propeller,” a message posted to the police media group read.
According to Asif, the propeller caused injuries across her body, with the cause of death attributed to blood loss.
“The incident happened near the island. She was believed to have stopped breathing by the time the boat made it to land. She was brought to the health centre by ambulance and had an ECG,” Asif said.
There have been several incidents where tourists have died while diving and snorkelling in the Maldives. While regulations specifically prohibit passengers and crew from jumping into the sea before the engine is fully turned off, it is not known to what extent the vessels enforce the regulation.