Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) continues the search for the missing Maldivian man.

According to the authority, a large region has been scanned in search of 21-year-old Shuraih Hassan, who went missing near Gulhifalhu of the capital atoll on December 31.

As such, the area spanning from the west end of Bolifushi, Gulhifalhu and Villingili to the north end of Giraavaru, has been searched. The searched area measures 69.3 square miles.

According to MNDF, the search is still ongoing with the help of a harbor craft and fast interceptor craft and currently ongoing is a surface search.

The native of Kumundhoo island in Haa Dhaal atoll was reported missing at around 8:58am on Friday. MNDF Coastguard was briefed that Shuraih went missing while fishing and he was pulled by the current west-ward of Vaadhoo sea.

Shuraih was wearing a grey t-shirt and a pair of black shorts at the time he went missing.

MNDF has urged the public to report to them if anyone, especially sea farers and vessels traveling in the region spot the missing man at sea, through toll-free number 191.