Two missing individuals from landing craft capsized near Gaafaru still not found: MNDF
1 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 08:10The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has launched a search and rescue operation for two expatriates missing after a landing craft traveling from Thilafushi capsized near Kaafu Atoll Gaafaru. While eight of the ten individuals on board have been successfully rescued, Coast Guard divers and aerial surveillance units are currently conducting extensive search efforts to locate the remaining two passengers.
Landing craft capsizes near K. Gaafaru. | MNDF
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has reported that two individuals remain missing after a landing craft capsized near K. Gaafaru.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) reported that a landing craft traveling from K. Thilafushi capsized near K. Gaafaru on Friday morning. Authorities received the report of the incident at approximately 08:48 hrs.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has confirmed that eight crew members have been rescued after their landing craft capsized. The vessel was carrying a total of 10 people—two Maldivians and eight foreigners—at the time of the incident. While a search is currently underway for the two missing foreign crew members, the MNDF stated that the craft is now grounded on the Kaafu Atoll Gaafaru reef.
The MNDF has stated that the Coast Guard is conducting an ongoing search operation for the two missing individuals. Authorities confirmed that an extensive area has been covered so far through both maritime and aerial search efforts.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that the Coast Guard ship Imaduddin and a fast interceptor craft are currently conducting sea-based search operations to locate the two missing individuals. According to the MNDF, despite ongoing search efforts, neither individual has been found yet.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has urged seafarers to exercise extreme caution following forecasts from the Maldives Meteorological Service indicating a strengthening of the Southwest Monsoon. The weather office expects widespread rain, consistently strong winds, and rough seas across the region during this period.
