Warning issued after deaths, injuries in Maldives

Travelers to the Maldives should take precautions when taking part in activities involving water, the local Chinese embassy said in a warning to its citizens issued on Thursday, adding there have been at least three deaths there in recent months.

The embassy said in a statement on its website since early April, three Chinese citizens have drowned in the country. In addition, another went missing and one was severely injured after being bitten by a shark.

The embassy added since the country has relatively limited medical capabilities and its weather can be volatile, travelers should be more cautious during these activities.

It suggested travelers be more patient if their flights or ferries have been delayed due to sudden changes of weather during the rainy season and alerted travelers to look out for undercurrents, deeper areas and sharks before entering the ocean, adding they should look after their belongings and avoid traveling alone or when feeling unfit.