Search for the youth who went missing while at sea catching lobsters, is still underway, says the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

MNDF states that an area of 279 square nautical miles has been searched by air, in the search for the missing youth.

Missing is Mohamed Naeesh, 18 and native to Maradhoo district of Addu City.

MNDF notes that the search and rescue operation has so far covered 300 square nautical miles by sea and 600 meters by dive, on Saturday.

Noting that the search and rescue team is facing some challenges due to adverse weather condition, MNDF stated that they will not stop searching for the youth.

MNDF revealed that the boy went missing in Maradhoo island of southernmost Addu City, while at sea attempting to catch lobsters, south of Gan.

Efforts to locate the missing boy have been to no avail so far.

Naeesh was wearing a long-sleeved white t-shirt at the time he went missing.

He was reported missing to authorities at around 10:10pm on Thursday.

A team of divers from the MNDF Southern Area Command, fast interceptor craft of the Coastguard Fourth Squadron “Dhoshimeynaa” and their “harbor craft 105” are currently active in the search.

Additionally, three fishing boats from Maradhoo are also being used in the search for the youth.

Vessels passing from the area as well as islands in the region have been urged to keep a look out for the missing boy and check if there is any news about anyone spotting him.

The public has been urged to contact MNDF’s Coastguard through toll-free number 191 or 3395981 and 3398898 if any information regarding his whereabouts, is attained.