A supply boat named "Friend 4," traveling from Laamu Atoll to Huvadhu Atoll with a cargo of aggregates and river sand, has sunk.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) reported that the vessel’s captain, along with a soldier and a police officer who were involved in the rescue operation, have gone missing following the incident.
The identities of the missing individuals have not yet been disclosed.
According to the MNDF, of the eight people on board at the time of the incident, all except the captain have been rescued.
The MNDF Central Area Coast Guard Fourth Squadron received the report at approximately 10:37 pm last night. Upon receiving reports that the vessel was taking on water due to heavy swells, a joint operation was launched by the military and police to save the vessel and its crew.
However, due to extremely rough seas, efforts to salvage the boat were unsuccessful, and the vessel sank.
The MNDF said that search and rescue operations by sea and air are ongoing without interruption. The Maldives is currently experiencing a period of severe weather and rough seas across much of the country. This incident follows another maritime tragedy last Friday, where two individuals remain missing after a landing craft capsized near Kaafu Gaafaru.
