Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy has said the inauguration of the new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) signifies an important milestone in strengthening the Maldives’ maritime security and emergency response capabilities.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Major General Hilmy said that with much of the Maldives’ territory consisting of ocean, effective maritime rescue services are essential to protect lives, particularly as changing weather conditions have resulted in significant challenges and losses during sea journeys.

He said the new MRCC and its upgraded facilities will enhance the capacity of rescue services by improving monitoring, coordination and response capabilities across the Maldives’ vast maritime domain.

Major General Hilmy described the project as a special initiative carried out under the direct guidance of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, noting that the necessary workforce, equipment and resources required to operate the centre have now been established.

He also acknowledged the efforts of Minister of Defence and National Security Hassan Rasheed in strengthening the services provided by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), noting that effective maritime domain awareness and timely coordination are crucial for a country like the Maldives to safeguard lives and ensure the security of its waters.

Major General Hilmy expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan for funding the project and thanked the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Government of Australia for their technical assistance and support throughout its implementation.

He said the establishment of the MRCC represents a significant advancement in the Maldives’ ability to monitor, coordinate and respond to maritime incidents.