Maldives Asks FBI to Help Probe Explosion on President's Boat

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen, second from left. Photo: DPA

COLOMBO — Maldives is seeking international assistance to investigate an explosion on a boat carrying the president and his wife Monday.

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom escaped unhurt, but his wife and two others were injured, officials said.

The explosion occurred as they were returning to the capital Male from the nearby airport island.

Investigations Command chief inspector Hamdhoon Rasheed said police would ask the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Australian Federal police for help.

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He declined to disclose details of the investigations carried out so far.

Witneses said a door of the boat blown off in the explosion.

President Yameen's ruling Progressive Party of Maldives and the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party called for a speedy investigation into the incident.

Yameen was elected in November 2013. He defeated former president Mohamed Nasheed, who is serving a 13-year jail term for illegally ordering the detention of the nation's chief judge.

Story: DPA / Anthony David

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