The Foreign Ministry has announced that discussions are underway to seek international assistance in the search for three individuals missing after the supply boat "Friend 4" sank while transporting aggregates from Thaa Madifushi to a resort in Huvadhu Atoll.
In a post on X, the Foreign Ministry stated that it is consulting with various countries to bolster the ongoing search operation. However, the ministry did not specify which nations are involved in these discussions.
The ministry further noted that it is working closely with relevant authorities to provide all possible support to intensify the search for the three missing persons.
According to the police, the missing individuals are the vessel's captain, Mohamed Hamdhoon, 35, of Dhonveli, Thaa Madifushi; Police Sergeant Ali Naafiu, 35; and MNDF Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Ahmed, 39. Both the police officer and the military officer had been on board to assist with salvage efforts.
The search is being conducted jointly by the MNDF Coast Guard and the Police. So far, authorities have covered 6,112 square nautical miles by air and 1,370.10 square nautical miles by sea.
Adhadhu understands that both the missing police officer and the MNDF officer are married to residents of Gaaf Alif Villingili and reside on that island. The MNDF officer is a father of three, while the police officer has two children.
An official familiar with the incident told Adhadhu that the missing men were on board the vessel attempting to pump out water when it sank.
The joint police and military team were pumping water while the vessel was being towed by a landing craft passing through the area. It is believed that a swell generated by the landing craft caused the supply boat to capsize and sink.
In its statement, the MNDF noted that the vessel sank due to rough seas after efforts to save it proved unsuccessful.
