A cargo vessel travelling from Hithadhoo in Addu City to Malé ran aground on the Rasmalé reef late on Saturday night, police said.
Four people were on board at the time: a Maldivian captain and three expatriates. No injuries were reported.
The Maldives Police Service and the MNDF Coast Guard responded immediately. The four crew members were rescued by a vessel from Rasmalé and later transferred to another boat by a Coast Guard Harbour Patrol launch.
Efforts are underway to refloat the grounded vessel. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident. Videos circulating online show the vessel listing heavily after striking the reef.
Rasmalé is an ongoing land reclamation project. The government is proceeding with plans to lease a section of the area to UAE-based developer Eagle Hills amid public debate.
