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President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has opened the new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Villimalé, a modern facility built to improve search and rescue operations across the Maldives.
Mariyam Adheela
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu opens the new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) building in Villimalé -- Photo: President Office
MALÉ, Maldives: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officially opened the new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) building in Villimalé, a facility expected to improve the Maldives' search and rescue operations at sea.
The centre was inaugurated by President Muizzu, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), during a special ceremony held in Villimalé.
The MRCC is responsible for coordinating rescue operations during maritime and aviation emergencies across the Maldives.
The new building includes a modern operations room, training classrooms, and an auditorium to support emergency response and staff training.
The project was funded by the Government of Japan. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) coordinated the project, while the Australian government assisted by providing equipment for the centre.
The foundation stone for the building was laid in June 2022. According to the MNDF, the project was given priority after President Muizzu took office
as part of efforts to strengthen the Coast Guard.
The MNDF said the MRCC has responded to 3,713 emergencies over the past 10 years.
During that time, the centre and MNDF Area Commands helped rescue 8,359 people and protected many vessels and properties during maritime incidents.
The MRCC was established in 2012 after replacing the former Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) centre, which began operating in the Maldives in 2006.
