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1st Ld Writethru: Maldives President unhurt in speed boat explosion

Xinhua, September 28, 2015 Adjust font size:

Maldives President Abdullah Yameen was unhurt after an explosion took place on his speed boat as it was approaching the capital Male Monday.

Minister of the President's Office Mohammed Hussain Shareef confirmed that First Lady Fathimath had suffered minor injuries, along with President Yameen's bodyguard Abdul Nasir and a member of President's Office protocol, Fathimath Solih.

Yameen had landed at an international airport from Saudi Arabia after completing the Hajj pilgrimage and was on his way to Male to be greeted by government officials and journalists when his speed boat caught fire.

Eye witnesses said that as the boat approached the Izzuddin Jetty, there was a loud noise followed by smoke and then a blast.

The first lady is being treated at hospital following the incident. Maldivian Development Alliance party Leader Ahmed Siyam Mohamed was also on board the speed boat.

Although the cause of the fire is unknown, the incident is under investigation.

The blast occurred after the engine of a speed boat caught fire while traveling from Hulhule to Club Med Kani (Kanifinolhu) Resort on Saturday after it left the airport.

At least 24 people were onboard the boat with all of them being rushed to nearby hospitals when the fire broke out. The injured included 16 Chinese nationals, 2 from Japan, 1 from Bangladesh, 2 from India, 1 from Sri Lanka and 1 from Maldives.

Four people receiving treatment have been released while the rest are still in hospital with one in the ICU. Endi