A search operation via air and sea is ongoing for a man from Alif Dhaal Dhagethi who went missing after going out fishing on a small boat at dawn on Saturday, the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has said.
The missing man is Yoosuf Ibrahim (68 years) from the island, Dhagethi council member Ahmed Abdul Samad confirmed to Adhadhu.
Yoosuf went fishing east of the Alif Dhaal Orimas lagoon on a small motorized boat, the MNDF said. His boat was found north of Alif Dhaal Randheli between 9:00 am and 9:30 am on Saturday morning but Yoosuf was not on it, according to the MNDF.
The incident was reported to the MNDF at 11:42 am yesterday.
Yoosuf was last seen wearing a red T-shirt, the MNDF said.
Divers from the Coast Guard together with divers from Dhagethi and nearby resorts are active in the search, the MNDF noted.
Coast Guard vessels and some vessels from the police, Dhagethi and nearby resorts are also searching for Yoosuf along with the MNDF's Dornier aircraft.
The MNDF appealed for assistance in the search from nearby islands and vessels travelling through the area.
The MNDF urged the public to contact the Coast Guard hotline at 191 or 3395981 or 3398898 with any information about Yoosuf. Faxes can also be sent to 3391665, it added.
