Search Underway for Missing MNDF Officer, Policeman and Boat Captain
6 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 02:36A search and rescue operation has been launched for three individuals, including the vessel's captain, a soldier, and a police officer, after the boat "Friend 4" foundered in rough seas while traveling from Laamu Atoll to Huvadhu Atoll. While seven of the eight people originally on board have been rescued, authorities are utilizing both sea and air assets from the Maldives National Defence Force to locate the missing captain and the two officers who were involved in the initial rescue efforts.
The area where a Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) officer, a police officer, and a boat captain went missing during a maritime operation. Search efforts to locate them are currently underway. | MNDF
Authorities have launched a search operation for a Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) officer, a police officer, and a boat captain who went missing during a maritime operation.
The MNDF Central Area Coast Guard Fourth Squadron received information regarding this incident at approximately 22:37 on the night of August 5, 2026.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) reported on Thursday that the supply vessel "Friend 4" has foundered and sunk due to heavy seas. The vessel, which was transporting a cargo of aggregates and river sand from Laamu Atoll to Huvadhu Atoll, began taking on water after being overwhelmed by large waves.
Of the eight individuals on board at the time of the incident, seven have now been successfully rescued.
The missing individuals include the vessel's captain, along with a soldier and a police officer who were both involved in the rescue operation.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has stated that search and rescue operations for the missing persons are continuing without interruption by both sea and air.
