"While it is believed the three missing individuals may be trapped inside the vessel, diving to its current depth is not feasible"
8 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 08:25Despite extensive air and sea search operations covering a vast area, authorities have yet to locate a soldier, a police officer, and the vessel's captain who went missing after the boat "Friend 4" capsized. While the extreme depth of the waters where the vessel foundered has hindered diving efforts, the Maldives National Defence Force and Police are expanding the search operation using UAVs and maritime vessels.
Three people missing after supply boat "Friend 4" capsizes. | Social Media
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has announced that an area exceeding 6,000 square nautical miles has been searched by air and sea to locate a soldier, a police officer, and a boat captain who went missing during a maritime operation.
The three individuals missing following the capsizing of the supply boat "Friend 4" have been identified as MNDF Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Ahmed, 39, Police Sergeant Ali Nafiu, 33, and the vessel's captain, Mohamed Hamdhoon, 35, of Dhonveli, Th. Madifushi.
The MNDF stated that a vast area has been searched by sea and air in a joint operation with the police to locate the missing persons.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that as of Friday night, search operations have covered an area of more than 5,212 square nautical miles by air and over 1,070.10 square nautical miles by sea. However, there has been no sign of the missing individuals to date.
An MNDF officer, speaking to RaajjeMV on condition of anonymity, stated that despite significantly expanding the search operation, the depth of the area where the supply boat capsized and sank is approximately 5,400 feet. The officer further noted that since the vessel sank completely while loaded with stone aggregates, it is impossible for divers to reach the depth where the boat is currently located.
The officer stated that when the approximately 98-foot vessel capsized, the three missing individuals were last seen attempting to pump out water in an effort to keep the boat afloat. It is strongly believed that they became trapped inside the vessel as it overturned.
The MNDF is utilizing Maldivian aircraft and MNDF Air Corps UAV drones in the search operation for the three missing individuals. Additionally, the MNDF Coast Guard Ship *Imaduddin*, fast interceptor craft, sea ambulances "SA038" and "SA037," and a police launch are also deployed in the search efforts.
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 boat traveling from Th. Madifushi to Huvadhu Atoll with a cargo of aggregates and river sand has completely foundered.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has successfully rescued seven out of the eight individuals who were on board the vessel at the time of the incident.
