Search continues for child missing at sea, mother's body brought to capital

The search for missing four-year-old continues.

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) revealed that the authority is still continuing the search for the missing child, identified as Jaish Jihan, native to Fulidhoo island in Vaavu atoll.

Public assistance has since been sought in finding the four-year-old who went missing after falling 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 child was wearing a black t-shirt when he fell overboard. 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.

MNDF CG vessel Shaheed Ali is currently active in the search for the missing boy and so far, an area of 10 square meters has been covered. MNDF has detected no trace of the missing boy.

The body of Mariyam Naahidha, 33 and native to Malé City, was transferred to the capital on Sunday morning, at 7:30am.

The child’s mother died in the incident. 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.

RaajjeMV has since received reports that no safety measures were taken before the speed boat set off. As such, none of the passengers had worn life jackets and neither had the required safety measures been taken.

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.