Missing soldier and police officer, along with the captain, were last seen working to drain water from the vessel using a pump setup
6 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 21:16The Coast Guard has expanded its search and rescue operation for a soldier, a police officer, and the vessel's captain who went missing after the boat "Friend 4" sank while traveling from Laamu Atoll to Huvadhu Atoll. Authorities are utilizing UAVs for aerial surveillance in the search efforts, while seven of the eight individuals on board at the time of the incident have already been rescued.
The soldier and police officer reported missing from the supply boat "Friend 4". | RaajjeMV
It has been revealed that the missing soldier, police officer, and the captain of the supply vessel "Friend 4" were last seen working to pump out water from the boat using a specialized pump setup.
The individuals missing in this incident have been identified as 39-year-old Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Mohamed, a native of GDh. Thinadhoo serving in the MNDF Fire and Rescue Service, and 33-year-old Police Sergeant Ali Naafiu. Additionally, authorities are searching for the vessel's captain, 35-year-old Mohamed Hamdhoon, a native of Dhonveli in Th. Madifushi.
A reliable source informed RaajjeMV regarding the incident that the three missing persons were last seen while they were attempting to drain water from the vessel using a pump setup. However, the vessel suddenly capsized and sank after being struck by a rogue wave.
He stated that the vessel measures approximately 98 feet in length.
Efforts to locate the three missing individuals have been significantly expanded, with search operations being conducted by air and sea. Authorities are utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and a Maldivian airline flight for aerial surveillance, while MNDF Coast Guard and Police vessels continue to scour the waters.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) received the report of this incident at approximately 22:37 on the night of August 5, 2026.
A supply vessel named "Friend 4," which was traveling from Laamu Atoll to Huvadhu Atoll with a cargo of aggregates and river sand, has completely foundered.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has rescued seven out of the eight individuals who were on board the vessel at the time of the incident.
