Maldives seeks international help to probe presidential yacht explosion

ldives seeks international help to probe presidential yacht explosion

COLOMBO, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) - The Maldivian government on Monday said that a team of foreign investigators would arrive in the Maldives to assist the police to investigate an explosion which took place on a presidential yacht earlier in the day. A speed boat carrying the Maldives President Abdullah Yameen, the first lady and other presidential staff faced an explosion as it was nearing the main jetty in capital Male. The boat had left from the main international airport after the President and his wife had arrived from Saudi Arabia, completing the Hajj pilgrimage. The first lady along with two other presidential staff officials received injuries from the explosion and they were rushed to a nearby hospital. The First Lady continued to be in hospital later on Monday, receiving treatment for injuries sustained to her back. Minister at the President's office and Acting Foreign Minister, Mohammed Hussein Shareef told journalists after arriving in capital Colombo that the Maldivian Police had launched a joint investigation with the country's armed forces to ascertain the cause of the explosion but had also sought for foreign assistance. "The police requested the government for commission in seeking foreign assistance. The president is very particular that the investigation is very professional, speedy and thorough. A number of our diplomatic partners will have far superior forensics and expertise," Shareef said. Following a request from the Maldives, a team of investigators from Saudi Arabia arrived in the Maldives on Monday evening followed by an expert from the United States. On Tuesday, a team of Australian investigators will arrive in the island nation followed by a team from India. Shareef said he had also requested the Sri Lankan government for forensic expertise and also the sharing of intelligence and all other information if the need arises. "The investigators are looking at it from all angles to ascertain whether there were any mechanical or technical issues or whether there was any sabotage or even whether this was a deliberate attempt on the life of the President," Shareef said. Investigators are also closely viewing the recorded footage of the explosion which was caught on camera by journalists who were on the main jetty, awaiting the arrival of the President to Male. End i