+ (960)757-7700

say “hello” to Maldives!

Maldives VILLAS
malahini_kuda_bandos_sunset_beach_pool_suite

FROM US$ 1313/-

Sunset Beach Pool SUITE

malahini_kuda_bandos_sunset_beach_pool_suite

FROM US$ 1313/-

Sunset Beach Pool SUITE

malahini_kuda_bandos_sunset_beach_pool_suite

FROM US$ 1313/-

Sunset Beach Pool SUITE

With spectacular azure lagoons and dense jungle at its core, VILLA PARK is a magical isle open for exploring. Each day invites a sense of escape with exceptional diving, playtime pursuits and secret dining experiences.

You have the option to enjoy below services and activities at VILLA PARK Sun Island Resort & Spa.

Just have a look of VILLA PARK on GOOGLE.

VILLA PARK Sun Island accommodation is designed to make holidays in the Maldives magical and memorable. Choose from blissful beachfront bungalows with private pools, sunset-view villas backed by tropical jungle and overwater villas offering panoramic views of the horizon. 

The island has 13 VILLA TYPES to choose from, they are;

Two-Bedroom Over Water SUITE

LUXURY FAMILY VILLAS IN THE MALDIVES

With panoramic views and azure waters beneath your feet, VILLA PARK, Two-Bedroom Over Water SUITE are a favorite with families in the Maldives. Located at the very end of the jetty, these Water Bungalows have some of the best views on the island. A private outdoor whirlpool, spacious sundeck and two bedrooms come together to create a secluded retreat that feels a whole world away.

Amenities: Free Wi-Fi   |   Air Conditioning   |   Satellite TV   |   Direct-Dial Telephone   |   Safe Deposit Box   |   Mini Bar   |   Hair Dryer   |   Tea & Coffee   |   Butler Service upon Request   |   Twice-Daily House Keeping Service   |   24-hour Room Service.

Features:   201 square metres   |   sleeps 4 Adults + 2 children   |   Villas: 351 – 358   |   Ocean Access   |   Private Sundeck   |   Private Whirlpool   |   Open Air-shower

PACKAGE Starts on FULL BOARD for 4 pax @ US$ 2699 +

VILLA PARK, The Maldives / Dinning

With restaurants serving international and authentic Maldivian cuisine, Villa Park dinning is all about delighting the senses. Enjoy fragrant, flavorful curries made with seafood caught fresh that morning, try traditional oriental dishes overlooking the ocean, or experience tree top dinning in the lush green jungle with a zero-food-miles menu in the lush jungle, ingredients are harvested from the organic island garden.

Maaniya - restaurant

Catering for those staying in VILLA PARK – Beach Villas, open-air “Maaniya restaurant” serves a selection of globally-inspired dishes, from dawn until dusk.

The beachfront restaurant has something to suit every taste, from continental breakfast with freshly baked pastries, fruit platters and juices to locally caught seafood and traditional Maldivian curries. Menus change daily, with vegetarian, pescatarian and gluten-free dishes always available.

OPENING HOURS:    Breakfast: 7:30 – 10:00 am   |   Lunch:  12:30 – 14:00 pm   |   Dinner: 19:00 – 21:00 pm

Sun Star Thai - restaurant

Positioned on the south-side of the island, surrounded by the tranquil lagoon, “Sun Star Thai Restaurant” is where you can enjoy authentic Thai cooking overlooking the ocean.

Take a seat under the lanterns or out on the candle-lit wrap-around deck, and try the professional chef’s sweet-and-sour broths, fragrant rice and noodle dishes, and vibrant curries made with tender cuts of beef, chicken or freshly caught seafood.

OPENING HOURS:    11:00 am – 22:00 pm

Al Pontile

With an Italian inspired menu featuring everything from freshly made pasta to hand stretched pizzas. Al Pontile is all about simple, delicious food and unbeatable sunset views.

Nibble on traditional Italian appetizers, dine on delicately flavored tortellini and pasta dishes, or choose from a selection of flame-grilled meat and seafood: fillet steak, calamari, lobster or local fishermen’s catch of the day. Simply craving melt-in-the-mouth, rustic pizza? The wood fired island pizza is also delivered island-wide!

OPENING HOURS:    11:00 am – 23:00 pm

Southern Star - restaurant

Backed by Swaying palms on the south side of VILLA PARK, Southern Star brings together oriental, South Asian and Mediterranean cuisines in a beautiful beachfront setting with a waterside verandah.

Catering to guests staying in the Water Villas, this internationally-inspired restaurant serves a wealth of freshly prepared dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Famed for its seafood and Maldivian-inspired curries, its where you’ll find ever-changing menus and a wide variety of vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten free dishes.

OPENING HOURS:  Breakfast: 7:30 – 10:00 am   |   Lunch:  12:30 – 14:00 pm   |   Dinner: 19:00 – 21:00 pm

ZERO - restaurant

Hidden deep in the dense jungle at the heart of VILLA PARK, is “ZERO” – the split-level garden restaurant that promises a one-of-a-kind, treetop dining experience with a proudly zero-food-miles menu.

Take a seat in the canopy and dine on nutrious, guilt-free food made with ingridients grown right here in the abundnt tropical fruit and vegetable gardens or freshly caught at sea. The seafood is cooked on the grill in the garden, while vibrant vegetable dishes and healthy salads are made with crisp greens and the freshest herbs harvested by hand in the coolth of the day from the organic garden by the Chefs. ZERO is focused on bringing delicious dishes to the table with zero food miles. 

OPENING HOURS: 11:00 am – 21:00 pm

Teppanyaki - restaurant

An authentic and interactive Japanese dining experience of ‘food theatre’ in an idyllic setting. Watch as fish and meats are cooked in front of diners on the Teppanyaki grill while intricate preparations of sushi and tempura are always on the go.

Platters of freshly made sushi and sashimi flow here, with everything from prawns, octopus and tuna. Equally good are udon-noodle broths with some of the best Japanese beers. The skilled Chefs make Teppanyaki dining a fun, engaging experience. You will find the restaurant in-front of the “Araamu Spa” and close to the Southern Star.

OPENING HOURS: 11:00 am – 23:00 pm

Main BAR

This is where it all happens: by day, this pool bar is the fun place to be seen and make friends. By sundown, you will find vibrant live music or the island’s evening entertainment right here.

RElaxed and easy going, the friendly team will happily do freshly pressed juices and icy cold island-style coolers or show off their mixology skills from the Classic or Creation menu.

OPENING HOURS: 24 hours

Coffe Shop

Always start your day with a world-class coffee? The passionate baristas will have no hesitation in introducing you to our ethically sourced and perfectly roasted Deluxe Coffee works beans.

The Maldives has always been strong on the tradition of tea, but Deluxe Coffee works, our coffee partner, sources the best beans for us. Pop in at any hour of the day or night. We’re here for those ice cream cravings or even a light meal after a late spa treatment.

OPENING HOURS: 24 hours

Beach BAR

Water sports enthusiasts and deep-sea divers drift in and out of the welcoming and deeply-shaded BEACH BAR all day. Create lifelong memories with friends, enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and connect with fellow underwater adventurers.

VILLA PARK’s casual Beach Bar, near the water sports centre, is the ideal spot to meet friends old and new, especially after an adrenaline-inducing dive or exhiarating water activities. Cool off with an ice-cold drink in hand before heading out in crystal clear waters for a dolphin safari.

OPENING HOURS: 09:00 am – 01:00 am

Garden BAR

Centrally placed near the golf course and the Green Fingers garden, this peaceful spot is a favorite with everyone who stops by for our refreshing signature cocktails and light meals.

Go and relax there after planting a tree, having a massage at the spa or playing golf. They’re always open and the menu is light, healthy and fresh. You will find them in the middle of the island near the spa.

OPENING HOURS: 10:00 am – Open untill last guest

Pool BAR

Quite the coolest pool bar on the island, this watery oasis is always ready to serve drinks. Simply swim by, find yourself a spot to sit and order, island-style.

There’s no need to leave the caress of the warm waters at the pool bar – it’s an island bar in the pool. Go and join: simply find yourself a water stool they’ll do the rest so that you can catch up with friends or watch the kids swim?

OPENING HOURS: 09:00 am – 18:00 pm

Renowned for unique activities in the Maldives, VILLA PARK is where crystal clear waters and techni-colored reefs become a pleasure ground. It’s where you can discover treasured species of wildlife, create memories with friends, family, and loved ones, and each day awake to a new adventure. They are:-

Signature Experience   |   Water Sports   |   Excursions & Tours   |   Private Dining   |   Park Player Kid’s Club   |   Land Sports

Signature Experience

It’s playtime! Our immersive experiences have been curated especially for fun-seeking guests, with everything from swimming with whale sharks to a farm-to-fork dining experience at a table in the lush treetops.

There’s an insatiable buzz here, with health fanatics enjoying a state-of-the-art fitness hub and an aqua park that exceeds every expectation. Enjoy truly wild waterplay or plant a tree, learn the ancient art of coconut carving explore the canopy walkways in the jungle.

Awake to a new adventure each day. The list for you includes;

Whale Shark Trip   |   La Tropicana   |   Raving Workouts   |   Pot Tub Pampering   |   Coconut Craft Hut   |   Green Fingers   |   ZERO   |   Park Art   |   TreeTop Adventures   |   Splash ‘n Slide

Whale Shark Trip – The South Ari-Atoll is one of the few places in the world where whale sharks are found. Take the plunge as we swim togather with these gentle creatures of the deep, a proudly humbling and moving experience. Fortunately for PARK VILLA, whale sharks are found right here in the Maldives, on the southernmost outer reef of the atoll. 

They will take you out by boat to the best spots to swim with the world’s largest fish, through beautiful reefs surrounded by fascinating corals alive with tropical marine life or simply drift alongside in deeper channels. There’s no doubt that this is a life changing experience, often a highlight of a trip to the Maldives.

Whale Shark Trip

They will take you out by boat to the best spots to swim with the world's largest fish, through beautiful reefs surrounded by fascinating corals alive with tropical marine life or simply drift alongside in deeper channels. There's no doubt that this is a life changing experience, often a highlight of a trip to the Maldives.

La Tropicana

Its' relaxed, happy and fun - that's VILLA PARK's "La Tropicana", open all day whenever you're in the mood for easy refreshments on the shoreline. Chalk board menus change daily but you will always find a thirst quenching Caipirinha or Caprioska ready for you or a host of creative mocktails to choose from.

Raving Workouts

Trained instructors are on hand to help tone beach bodies, and the quick-fire combination of weight training, cardio and intense anaerobic exercise elevates heart rates, burns extra calories and create a sense of tribalism and community. Laugh, sweat and enjoy the heady rush of endorphins!

Pot Tub Pampering

Enjoy an indulgent and private soak sourrounded by a sea of fragrant petals and aromatic herbs n this romantic glow with twinkling candles suspended in glass jars from the trees. This quiet sanctuary allows you to retreat, reflect and breathe deeply while listening to the meditative soundtrack of the jungle and the sea.

Coconut Craft Hut

In a ceremonial fashion, each class starts with a lesson about the much-celebrated coconut as a traditional resource in the Maldives. You will learn about the history of coconut jewelry, its relevance to Maldivian culture and why it is such an important part of the island's green journey.

Green Fingers

You can contribute by planting a tree as a legacy of your stay with the island in there Green Fingers garden, now a profusion of flowering plants and lush greenery that is evolving into a richly cultivated and productive space close to the hearts of the generations of Villa Park visitors to come.

ZERO

The seafood is cooked on the grill in the garden, while vibrant vegetable dishes and healthy salads are made with crisp greens and the freshest herbs harvested by hand in the coolth of the day from the island's organic garden by the Chefs. ZERO is focused on bringing delicious dishes to the table with ZERO food miles.

Park Art

Recently recognized as the Maldives leading Green Resort at the World Travel Awards, thus the island is more committed than ever to forward-thinking environmental initiatives and the art collection is a fun opportunity to lead and inspire with creative, interactive works that are meaningful to all ages.

Tree Top Adventure

Keep going to discover lookout towers made of driftwood that offer a sublime human bird's nest, complete with binoculars. From here you can take in the island scenery, enjoy the abundant bird life and admire the crystal clear lagoon waters beyond.

Splash 'n Slide

Let yourself loose in this playground that runs across the entire beachfront and soak up its joyful, light-hearted atmosphere. As guests approach the island via speedboat they will be awestruck by the sight of this colorful and inviting "temple of fun" floating on a crystal clear sea.

A voyage that senses starts at “Araamu Spa”, a tropical garden sanctuary where time doesn’t move from hour to hour but mood to moment. Surrounded by the lush greenery of a private spa pavilion, find your zen while the restorative power of the island and sounds of exotic birds allow you to fully experience physical, mental and spiritual rejuvenation.

Spa HOURS: 09:00 am – 20:00 pm (Last treatment begins at 19:00 pm)

Spa Treatment   |   Bird of Paradise   |   Exotic Cocoon   |   Voyager   |   Shirodhara

Spa Treatments

The Dhivehi word "Araamu" is derived from Sanskrit, meaning a 'blissful state of total relaxation', so they have created classic and Ayurvedic wellness menus to rejuvenate and revitalize. Here is a glimpse of what's on offer.

Bird of Paradise

Inspired by the playful energies of the Maldivian spirit and ancient island therapies, wellness awaits. Start with a sip of freshly picked hibiscus flower lemonade, nourishing coconut milk foot ritual and deep abdominal breathing to rebalance body and mind.

Exotic Cocoon

Wrap yourself in an exotic aroma of the Maldives. Start with a gentle coffee and coconut body scrub, followed by a smoothing coconut yogurt body cocoon. Finish your island inspired ritual with a nourishing hair treatment and a relaxing pressure point scalp massage.

Voyager - let go

Let go muscular tension, shoulder knots and stiff joints. Start with stimulating bamboo brooming followed by deep tissue massage. During this treatment, therapist will combine powerful stretching techniques and joint rotations to help facilitate muscle recovery and release deeply accumulated tension all throughout the body.

Shriodhara - energy flow of mental exhaustion

Unblock the natural flow of energy, increase clarity and bring peace of mind. This holistic treatment starts with stimulating scalp massage, followed by meridian body massage with friction-based-strokes. The therapy ends with a warm, verbalized oil steadily poured onto your forehead to improve blood supply to the brain, reduce restlessness and improve sleep quality.

REQUEST A QUOTE

VILLA PARK Sun Island Resort & Spa

LET "Hello Maldives Holidays" PLAN YOUR TAILOR-MADE, MIC or Corporate Event's

World-Class Conference Facilities

Your symposium, conference will be on a flowering jewel among the Maldives island resorts. Cruise along the stunning sapphire lagoons by jet-skii, canoe or catamaran.

Explore the spectacular local scenery and unique culture with excursions to neighboring islands or, simply let the ocean breeze caress you to sleep as you sway gently in your beach hammock.

From invigorating activities to precious tranquility, our Maldivian resort will captivate the heart with extraordinary experiences and unforgettable memories.

for more details and queries, just send us an e-mail: [email protected]

Seaplane Accidents Maldives

Seaplane Accidents - Maldives

Before we begin it’s worth pointing out that travelling by seaplane in the Maldives is safe. They have a great track record and accidents are rare.

Reports going back to 1994 indicate zero fatalities, and only one case involving serious injury.

Over this same period of time millions of people have travelled safely on seaplanes in the Maldives.

All aviation accidents and incidents are investigated by the AICC of the Maldives and we summarise all published reporting below. Whilst this may seem like a significant amount of material at a glance, keep in mind this covers 30 years of aviation!

Contents:

  • Accident vs Incident
  • Statistics
  • List of Seaplane Accidents & Incidents
  • Summary of Investigation Reports
  • 2023
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2017
  • 2015
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2010
  • 2009
  • 2008
  • 2004
  • 2001
  • 1994-2000
Accident vs Incident

In aviation accidents are not the same as incidents, but both are reported and investigated to maintain high standards of safety.

Accidents involves at least one of the following: aircraft damage or structural failure, complete loss of the aircraft, or in exceptional cases serious injury or fatality.

Nearly all seaplane accidents in the Maldives receive this classification on the basis of aircraft damage rather than injury. None have involved a fatality.

Incidents are any events which affect or could affect the safety of operation. Serious incidents are those that had a high chance of leading to an accident.

Statistics

Over the period January 1994 to November 2023:

  • Total Accidents: 16
  • Total Serious Incidents: 3
  • Total Fatalities: 0
  • Total Serious Injuries: 3
  • Total Minor Injuries: 8

 

In 30 years of seaplane flights there have only been 11 injuries in the Maldives, of which 7 were crew.

In terms of tourists and passengers there have been just 4 injuries in 30 years, of which 3 were minor and 1 was serious.

Of the 16 accidents recorded 11 received this classified on the basis of aircraft damage rather than injury.

List of Seaplane Accidents & Incidents
DateAircraftCategoryInjuries
25 Oct 20238Q-RALIncident (P)
16 May 20238Q-TAQAccident (P)
13 Nov 20218Q-MBCIncident
14 Feb 20218Q-RAEAccident1 Minor
22 Oct 20208Q-TMRIncident
05 Oct 20208Q-TMFAccident2 Minor
24 Feb 20208Q-MVCAccident3 Minor
16 Nov 20178Q-IAGAccident
04 Oct 20178Q-ISBAccident
27th May 20178Q-TMVAccident
2nd Jul 20158Q-MANAccident
2nd Aug 20138Q-TMKAccident
9th Jul 20128Q-TMTAccident
9th Feb 20128Q-MATAccident
10th Mar 20108Q-TMKAccident
2nd Jun 20098Q-MAGAccident2 Minor
14th Jul 20088Q-MASAccident
17th May 20048Q-TMCAccident3 Serious, 1 Minor
19th Feb 20018Q-TMAAccident

(P) – Preliminary Report

 

Summary of Investigation Reports

A complete overview of all investigation reports from the Maldives Accident Investigation Coordinating Committee involving commercial seaplane flights is presented below.

The first seaplane flights in the Maldives were in 1993 and proved to be significantly safter than the preceding helicopter flights which suffered much more serious consequences in accidents. By 1999 helicopter flights were practically eliminated as seaplane travel took over.

During this period there were very few seaplanes operating compared to today and only a limited number of flights. It’s not that accidents have become more common, there’s simply tens of thousands of flights more per year today.

The Maldives has made significant advances in safety and procedures over it’s 30 year history of seaplane flight. They now boast the largest seaplane fleet and arguably the most experienced seaplane pilots in the world.

2023

25th October 2023: 8Q-RAL

Serious Incident, no injuries.

Based on preliminary report.

Aircraft lost power in its right engine on approach to Malé at 350 feet, causing a sudden right turn and difficulty controlling the aircraft. Pilots were able to land safely on the water with a small bounce, and shortly after shut down the engines. Assisted by a rescue boat the aircraft taxied to a platform for passenger and crew to disembark.

 

16th May 2023: 8Q-TAQ

Accident, no injuries.

Based on preliminary report.

Aircraft encountered issues upon initial touchdown on water. The aircraft hit a swell during landing, causing a bounce, a drop of the left wing, and subsequent contact with the water. Once stationary, the crew assessed and confirmed damage to the left wing. The aircraft then taxied to a platform, shut down the engines, and passengers disembarked via the main door.

2021

13th November 2021: 8Q-MBC

Serious Incident, no injuries.

Based on preliminary report.

Take-off was aborted due to unexpected aircraft behaviour. Unable to stop, the aircraft shut down its engines and drifted into two water bungalows, sustaining damage but causing no injuries. The aircraft was then towed to a platform where passengers and crew disembarked safely.

14th February 2021: 8Q-RAE

Accident, 1 minor injury to cabin crew.

Flight from Maalifushi to Velana International Airport had an accident upon touchdown. The aircraft touched down on the right-hand float, dug into the water, and turned steeply right before coming to a stop inverted. Although the aircraft was substantially damaged, all six passengers and two pilots evacuated without injury; one cabin crew member sustained minor injuries.

2020

A rise in accidents coincided with global emergence from COVID restrictions. Planes and pilots had been grounded around the world without regular flying. This was not unique to the Maldives.

22nd October 2020: 8Q-TMR

Serious Incident, no injuries.

After a normal touchdown at Sun Siyam IruFushi, an aircraft experienced an uncontrolled left turn during reverse thrust, leading the left wing and propeller to contact an anchored vessel. The incident caused damage to the aircraft’s left wing and propeller blades, as well as to the vessel, but no one was on board the vessel at the time. The Pilot in Command regained control and taxied to a platform, with all passengers and crew disembarking safely without injuries.

5th October 2020: 8Q-TMF

Accident, 2 minor injuries.

During an approach with a left crosswind of about 20 knots at Velana International Airport, an aircraft landing on the ‘North Right’ area rapidly rolled to the right after touchdown, with the right wing dipping into the water. It swerved but settled upright on both floats. The aircraft was taxied to the dock with assistance from a rescue vessel and personnel onshore. All passengers and crew disembarked safely. Minor injuries were reported among the flight and cabin crew, but no passengers were injured.

24th February 2020: 8Q-MBC

Accident, 3 minor injuries including 1 passenger.

An aircraft landing on an unmarked water runway bounced upon touchdown, banked left, and then the right wing dropped, causing the nose to dig into the water. The Pilot in Command’s attempt to go around was unsuccessful. The fuselage, wings, engines, and propellers were substantially damaged, but the floats remained intact, and the aircraft was upright post-accident. It taxied to the mooring with left engine power and dinghy assistance. All occupants evacuated safely, with minor injuries to two crew members and one passenger.

2017

16th November 2017: 8Q-IAG

Accident, no injuries.

Aircraft encountered an accident during take-off from DOR water aerodrome. The aircraft hit a series of sea swells during acceleration, which resulted in both floats detaching and the nose plunging into the water. The engines were shut down by the PIC after the second impact. The detached floats, trapped under the wings, kept the aircraft afloat despite water entering the fuselage. All 12 passengers and 3 crew evacuated without injury.

4th October 2017: 8Q-ISB

Accident, no injuries.

The first officer was flying when the aircraft bounced during landing in a crosswind at Velana International Airport. The captain’s go-around attempt failed, causing the aircraft to flip and crash, landing upside down in shallow water. Despite substantial damage to the aircraft, all passengers and crew escaped without serious injuries.

27th May 2017: 8Q-TMV

Accident, no injuries.

During a landing on the North Right Water Runway, the aircraft bounced off the left float and then, after a second bounce, banked right causing the right wing tip to dip into the water. This led to an abrupt right veer and crash. All passengers and crew evacuated uninjured before the aircraft submerged.

2015

2nd July 2015: 8Q-MAN

Accident, no injuries.

During final approach to land at KUR, at about 400 feet with flaps fully down, the aircraft pitched up and vibrated uncontrollably as the stall warning activated. The PIC’s recovery manoeuvres initially failed, but some control was regained after retracting the flaps. Despite this, the aircraft continued a right turn, lost height, and hit the sea. All 11 passengers and three crew members evacuate uninjured before the aircraft sank.

2013

2nd August 2013: 8Q-TMK

Accident, no injuries.

During a westbound landing approach approved due to westerly winds, the aircraft banked left, losing control and touching down on the left float first. Control was transferred from the co-pilot to the Captain, who noted the aircraft’s significant left turn and wing damage. All passengers disembarked without injuries. The cause of the incident was identified as an unexplained left bank on approach despite facing a headwind.

2012

9th July 2012: 8Q-TMT

Accident, no injuries.

Upon landing, the crew struggled to dock at a fixed platform due to the tailwind and swells. After aborting the first docking attempt, the second attempt led to a collision with the platform when the aircraft moved forward despite full reverse and rudder inputs. The left float and propeller were damaged, and the aircraft eventually became fully submerged. All aboard evacuated safely.

9th February 2012: 8Q-MAT

Accident, no injuries.

On final approach to MLE the co-pilot made a hard landing on the north right water runway due to easterly winds, causing the aircraft to bounce and the right float to dig into the water. The PIC then took over and steadied the aircraft, but the right float detached and became stuck under the fuselage, preventing sinking, while the left float also detached. All aboard evacuated without injury.

2010

10th March 2010: 8Q-TMK

Accident, no injuries.

We were unable to retrieve report 2010-01, (“De Havilland, DHC-6-300, 8Q-TMK, Right wing struck on water at Cocoa Palm/Dhunikolhu Island Resort (Baa Atoll)”), at the time of writing.

2009

2nd June 2009: 8Q-MAG

Accident, 2 minor injuries including 1 passenger.

The aircraft took off from Halaveli for a 40-minute photo flight with good weather conditions. After take-off, the co-pilot gave his seat to a passenger and moved to the cabin.

Whilst CAR Part 15.11 does allow a special exemption for a passenger to take the right hand seat during professional photography flights, both pilots must be at the controls during take-offs and landing.

Once the shots were complete, the PIC began descending in a right bank, keeping the passenger in the first officer’s seat in order to provide further photography opportunities.

Before the PIC could complete the turn, the aircraft struck the water with its right wing/float. The crash broke both wings and detached the left float, while the right float jammed, blocking the co-pilot’s exit and twisting the empennage. All passengers and crew escaped without fatalities from the shallow wreckage.

The investigation attributed the accident to the PIC’s low flying, a passenger in the co-pilot’s seat, and the operator’s inadequate communication of procedural updates.

2008

14th July 2008: 8Q-MAS

Accident, no injuries.

The 8Q-MAS aircraft, with 17 people onboard, departed from Male to Adaaran Club Bathala. Encountering rough seas and strong westerly winds, it struck a swell on landing, veered left, and collided with a moored speed boat, losing its right float and engine. The aircraft sank in shallow water, but all on board safely escaped without fatalities.

2004

17th May 2004: 8Q-TMC

Accident, 3 serious injuries including a passenger, and 1 minor injury.

The most serious seaplane accident in the Maldives and one of the first, there were still no fatalities.

Departing from Male’ International Airport to Velaavaru Resort with 14 passengers, the aircraft experienced a longer-than-normal take-off, struggling to gain height. Nearing a seawall, the captain’s abrupt control pull to avoid the obstacle induced a stall, causing the left float to shear off upon impact with the seawall. This led to the left wing folding upwards and detaching, with the left propeller slicing through the cockpit ceiling. The aircraft then skidded across the ground, losing the right float and propeller, before halting on the mainland runway. The accident resulted in serious injuries to both pilots and one passenger, minor injuries to another passenger, while the rest were unharmed.

 

2001

19th February 2001: 8Q-TMA

Accident, no injuries.

The aircraft was manoeuvring on the water near the Floating Platform, after landing in the lagoon near Sun Island resort, when it struck another Twin
Otter that was parked against the floating platform. There were no passengers on either aircraft, and no injuries to any of the crew were reported.

1994-2000

There are no accidents involving seaplanes recorded in the Maldives CAA historical archives.

>

References

[1] AICC, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. Preliminary Incident Report 8Q-RAL, retrieved Nov 06, 2023
[8] AICC, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. Final report on accident to Viking air DHC-6-200, 8Q-IAG aircraft at Dhoores Floating Platform, Maldives, retrieved Nov 06, 2023
[10] AICC, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. Final report on the accident to Viking Air DHC-6-300, 8Q-TMV at Velana International Airport, Maldives, retrieved Nov 06, 2023
[11] AICC, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. Final Report on the accident to Viking Air DHC-6-300, 8Q-MAN near Kuredu Resort, Maldives, retrieved Nov 06, 2023
[12] AICC, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. Twin Otter, 8Q-TMK, at Ibrahim Nasir international Airport, Water Runway, retrieved Nov 06, 2023
[13] AICC, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. De Havilland, DHC-6-300, 8Q-TMT, Collision with the fixed platform at Condrad(Rangali) South Ari Atoll, retrieved Nov 06, 2023
[14] AICC, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. Twin Otter, 8Q-MAT, at Ibrahim Nasir international Airport, Water Runway, retrieved Nov 06, 2023
[15] AICC, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. De Haviland DHC-6-200, 8Q-MAG, Crash at the reef of Halaveli Resort Lagoon, retrieved Nov 06, 2023
[16] AICC, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. De Haviland DHC-6-300, 8Q-MAS, Collision with a Speedboat at Adaaran Club Bathala, retrieved Nov 06, 2023
[17] AICC, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. De Havilland DHC-6-300, 8Q-TMC, Collision with Seawall at Male’ International Airport, retrieved Nov 06, 2023
[18] AICC, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. De Havilland DHC-6-100, 8Q-TMA, Collision with 8Q-TMH at Sun Island, retrieved Nov 06, 2023
[19] AICC, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority. Aircraft Accident History, retrieved Nov 06, 2023