A Sri Lankan national employed as a backhoe operator in the Maldives has tragically died following a boat accident.
The victim, identified as 36-year-old T.M. Pradeep Sanjeewa, a father of two from Panduwasnuwara in Kurunegala, had travelled to the Maldives on October 10 to begin work as a backhoe operator.
According to reports, Sanjeewa had been working in Malé for only two days when the incident occurred. On Wednesday night, he had been travelling from K. Thulhagiri to the Eriyadhoo Resort, about 1.3 nautical miles away, aboard a vessel named ‘Almaak Fiya’. The boat was carrying a backhoe and a stock of equipment, along with seven others.
The vessel is said to have capsized after being struck by a strong wave, throwing all those on board into the sea. Four people were rescued, while the bodies of two others were later recovered.
Sanjeewa had been missing since the incident, and his body was discovered on Friday (18) afternoon by Maldivian rescue teams.
Family members in Sri Lanka confirmed that arrangements are being made to bring his remains back to the country.
