Five pilot whales rescued by Hulhumeedhoo youth.

Five of nine pilot whales, that washed ashore on the eve of this years Fisherman's day (December 9,2010), were rescued by Hulhumeedhoo youth near the beach of Stelco. During the past two weeks similar whales were found dead on the beach of Maafushi and were buried by the authorities.

"We saw these dolphins stranded near the beach at around 9:30 this morning, two were found dead" Ameer, the first witness said. They undertook the rescue operation immediately and managed to hauled the five live mammals back into water. Later today another two dead were found, one near Stelco and the other on the beach of Ismehela Hera.

Reason for the continued washing ashore of these underwater giants are unknown so far, but many suspect it as a result of human disturbances and changes in marine ecological system.

5:25 PM | Posted in feature, hulhudhoo, living, Meedhoo, news | Read More »

A 'red carpet' welcome to Miss France contestants

Maldives offered the warmest welcome to participants of Miss France 2011, the organising committee said Thursday.

Special Envoy to the President Ibrahim Hussein Zaki, Tourism Minister Dr Mariam Zulfa, Sunland Hotel Directors and senior officials of Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) welcomed the 33 participants on Thursday. Cultural activities were also held at Male International Airport.

Organising Committee General Manager Sylvie Celia told journalists that Maldives offered an extraordinary welcome.

“This is the best welcome we received in the past five years that we have been working with this company. The red carpet welcome, the small children there and Maldives is very beautiful,” Celia, who won the Miss France title in 2002, said.

“The photos taken in Maldives will be published on a French magazine from today onwards. The event is very much supported by the French public.”

Miss France 2010 Melaka Menard said she never expected such a welcome from Maldives.

“This is the first time I have been in the Maldives. I am very pleased to be here. Maldives offered us a very warm welcome. After the trip I will talk about Maldives in France,” she said.

Miss France 2011 partner, Sunland Hotels, brought over 80 people along with the 33 contestants.

A Sunland Travels official said a fashion show would be held in Coco Palm Boduhithi where the candidates will be staying from November 11-18.

“Australian swimming wear and Maldivian designers’ dresses will be shown at the fashion show,” the official said.

According to Sunland Hotels, video and photo sessions and learning to cook Maldivian dishes will take place in Coco Palm.

The Miss France 2011 contest will be held on December 4 in Caen, France.

Maldives also hosted a Miss World event earlier.

6:46 PM | Posted in feature, maldives, news, topnews | Read More »