Public assistance sought in finding missing four-year-old

Public assistance has been sought in finding the four-year-old who went missing after a sea incident near Olhuveli Resort on Saturday evening.

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) requested public assistance in locating the child identified as Jaish Jihan, as the search still continues.

As such, the request has been made with communities of nearby islands as well as vessels travelling in the region.

Individuals have been urged to contact coastguard’s toll-free number 191 or 3395981 and 3398898 or fax 3391665 if any information is acquired regarding the missing child.

The child was wearing a black t-shirt when he fell overboard after the speed boat, enroute to Vaavu Atoll from capital Malé City was swamped by raging waters near Olhuveli Resort, the incident was filed at police at around 5:06pm on Saturday. The incident is to have taken place one nautical mile southeast of the resort. MNDF CG’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Center received the missing persons report at 5:10pm.

The speed boat has since been pulled into the lagoon of Guraidhoo island in Kaafu atoll and police officers are active in the area. MNDF CG vessel Shaheed Ali is currently active in the search for the missing boy.

The child’s mother, Mariyam Naahidha, 33 and native to Malé City, died in the incident after falling overboard. She and Jaish were among three who fell over, the other one, another child, was found and safely taken to Guraidhoo Health Center for treatment.

Naahidha was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Guraidhoo Health Center at around 6:35pm. A man was also taken to the health center and is being treated for head injuries.

Due to threatening winds and extremely rough seas nationwide in recent days, which continue to provoke white, yellow and even orange alerts every day, the authorities have been urging caution from individuals, especially seafarers.

Due to persisting low-pressure tough over the country, the Maldives Meteorological Service earlier revealed that winds are likely to further strengthen across the nation in the next few days. The department has also issued an advisory over swell wave surges during high tide times.

A yellow alert issued across the entirety of Maldives on Saturday has been extended, with the prediction of higher wind range, gusts and “very” rough seas spanning the atolls. All, especially mariners are strongly advised to take all necessary precautions.