A fire broke out on a fishing vessel near the capital, Malé, on Saturday afternoon, the Maldives Police Service has confirmed.

According to police, the incident was reported at approximately 2:54 PM while the vessel was navigating in waters near Kurumba Maldives.

Photographs shared by authorities indicate that the blaze is believed to have originated in the engine room area of the vessel.

Officials stated that 15 individuals were on board at the time of the incident.

Arrangements have been made to transport those injured to Malé for urgent medical care.

A vessel from Kurumba Resort has been deployed to assist in transferring the injured individuals.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation, and further information is expected as investigations progress.