A boat which caught fire while travelling to Thaa Hirilandhoo island has sunk at around 2:07 am.

The Holhudhoo Boat was carrying 18 people at the time of the incident. Seventeen were rescued while search is ongoing for one missing person.

The missing man was identified as 25-year-old Ali Mushfiq Mohamed from Laamu Maavah island.

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) warned seafarers to be cautious as parts of the boat and some cargo were drifting.

The boat caught fire and sank near Thaa Vandhoo island.