In 1958, a ship originally named MV Malatian was constructed in Liverpool. More than a decade later, in 1971, Maldives Shipping Limited acquired the vessel and renamed it Maldives Victory. This cargo ship played a crucial role in transporting essential goods to the Maldives.

Under the Maldivian flag, the Maldives Victory—a 15,000-ton, 83-meter cargo ship—departed from Singapore on February 3, 1981. Aboard were 31 crew members and four passengers, along with 65 barrels of petrol, 40 barrels of lubricating oil, and 1,080 tons of assorted cargo, including materials for resort construction, electronics, baby food, and vehicles.

For ten days, the voyage progressed smoothly under the command of Captain Raaid. However, disaster struck on Friday, February 13, 1981. As the vessel neared Malé through the southeast channel, the captain attempted a sharp turn to starboard to avoid Funadhoo island. Unfortunately, before completing the maneuver, the ship’s port side struck the airport reef, leaving it stranded.

Flooding ensued, prompting immediate intervention from the National Defense Force and presidential advisors. Despite exhaustive efforts to free the vessel, the ship succumbed to the rising tide. By 4 AM, as high tide peaked, the Maldives Victory dislodged from the reef but quickly sank to the ocean floor at a depth of 36 meters. Fortunately, the ship settled upright, and much of its cargo—biscuits, mattresses, and oil cans—floated to the surface.

Salvaging the Cargo

Following the incident, commercial and recreational divers from across the Maldives joined forces in a salvage operation to recover lost goods. Although the specifics of compensation remain unclear, many divers volunteered, aided by authorities providing refreshments as encouragement. While some cargo was retrieved, only a fraction remained in usable condition.

Recovered goods were stored in a customs warehouse, where owners were invited to claim their belongings. In response to financial losses faced by businesses, the government introduced temporary duty-free import incentives.

However, the wreck soon became the target of opportunistic divers who looted valuable components, including navigation instruments, copper fittings, and even the ship’s anchors. Over time, only the skeletal remains of the vessel endured, gradually transforming into an artificial reef that now teems with marine life, making it a popular diving site today.