The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has clarified that it had been a mistake announcing the suspension of the search operation for a Nepalese crew member who went missing at sea between Fuvahmulah and Addu.

Raj Kumar was reported missing on December 17, according to police. The MNDF stated he was last seen on the night of December 16.

The MNDF media team initially announced yesterday afternoon that the search for Kumar had been suspended. No reason was provided. However, in a follow-up message sent at around 9:30 p.m., MNDF officials apologised, explaining that the earlier statement about suspending the operation was due to an error in communication.

Today, search efforts continued, focusing on areas where currents might have carried the missing man. The MNDF also confirmed that they are coordinating with foreign vessels in the vicinity to assist in the search.

The operation has so far covered an area around Fuvahmulah and 304 nautical miles of the Addu sea, utilising only sea-based methods.

Meanwhile, the MNDF has not addressed questions regarding the use of drones, which were purchased earlier this year, for surveillance and search-and-rescue operations.