"Holhudhoo Boat" sinks, search continues for missing passenger

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has revealed that their Central Area Command Coast Guard is still searching for Ali Mushfiq Mohamed Shareef, 25 and native to Maavah island of Laamu atoll, who went missing from the "Holhudhoo Boat" that caught fire while traveling to Hirilandhoo island of Thaa atoll.

MNDF revealed at around 9:35pm on Wednesday that the MNDF Central Area Command and Kadhdhoo Fire Station firefighters were responding to a fire on a cargo vessel named "Holhudhoo Boat".

According to the MNDF, they received a report of the fire on the cargo vessel carrying 18 people at around 09:07pm. Upon receiving the report, a team of the MNDF Central Area Command Coast Guard was immediately dispatched to the area where the boat was located.

The agency disclosed that 17 out of the 18 people on board have been rescued. They also noted that the Thaa Atoll Police Station provided significant assistance to the MNDF Central Area Command Coast Guard in the rescue operation.

In addition to this, MNDF went on to reveal that the "Holhudhoo Boat" that caught fire, sank at around 02:07am. As parts of the boat are drifting, MNDF has appealed to those traveling in the area to be cautious, especially those traveling at night. They have also urged caution as the vessel has sunk with its cargo and parts of it are drifting.

The boat caught fire and sank close to Vandhoo island of Thaa atoll.