A fire and rescue drill has been held at the Male’ Commercial Harbour.
Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) stated that the drill was held as part of Safety Week to strengthen safety standards and readiness in an emergency. The drill included an evacuation exercise of the whole port premises. The drill was conducted with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), the Maldives Police Service (MPS), the Maldivian Red Crescent, and ADK Hospital.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MPL Shahid Ali said this was the largest-ever drill held at the Male’ Commercial Harbour and that it simulated an incident in which a fire incident occurred on a docked ship. He said that all employees working at the port participated in the drill by reporting and attending to the incident, evacuating the premises, providing first aid to the victims and transporting them to the hospital.
Additionally, Shahid said the most important reason for holding the drill is to determine the level of preparedness at the Male’ Commercial Habour by allowing MPL’s fire squad to respond. He added that port workers have been more aware and attentive to safety procedures ever since MPL began holding its yearly Safety Week.