Probe into seaplane crash

A seaplane crash investigation is underway after an incident involving an aircraft carrying holidaymakers from Niyama resort, aviation officials said.

A Maldivian Seaplane aircraft, operated by state-owned Island Aviation Services, crashed while attempting to land at the airport lagoon on Thursday afternoon due to a sudden gust of wind.

The 15 passengers and three crew members aboard were rescued by airport staff and the Maldives National Defence Force.

A 24-year-old crew member was taken to Hulhumalé hospital and was later released after his minor injuries were treated.

Seaplane accidents are relatively rare in the Maldives. In May this year, a TransMaldivian Airways seaplane crashed into the airport lagoon.

In a separate development, the Housing Development Corporation of Hulhumalé said Thursday it will stop seaplanes from flying over the island after a new link road is built between Hulhulé and Hulhumalé.

Photo from Twitter