Gov't Seeks International Help Three Days After Three Went Missing in Huvadhu Sea
9 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | އާދީއްތަ 08:29The government is currently in discussions to seek international assistance in the search for three individuals missing after a supply boat capsized. While diplomatic channels are being utilized to secure the necessary technical expertise for the operation, authorities noted that the vessel sank in waters too deep for conventional diving. Relevant agencies are now working together to coordinate the search efforts using all available resources.
Three people missing in Huvadhu Sea. | Social Media
The Maldivian government has decided to seek international assistance in the search for a soldier, a police officer, and a boat captain who went missing during a maritime operation.
In a post on X on Saturday night, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of the three missing individuals, announcing that the government has decided to seek international assistance in the search efforts.
The incident occurred at approximately 22:37 on the night of August 5, 2026. However, as of August 8, 2026, neither President Muizzu nor any high-ranking government officials have issued a statement regarding the matter.
Amidst widespread public criticism directed at the government over the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is working closely with the Ministry of Defence, the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Maldives Police Service regarding the capsizing and sinking of the supply boat "Friend 4."
The Ministry emphasized that its primary focus at this time remains the search for the three individuals missing in the incident. It further stated that discussions are underway with bilateral partners to secure additional assistance and technical expertise required for the ongoing search operation and recovery efforts related to the sunken vessel.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it will coordinate search efforts for the missing persons by utilizing all available resources, in collaboration with relevant authorities and international partners.
A supply vessel 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 of the eight individuals who were on board at the time of the incident.
As sea and air rescue teams continue their search and rescue operation, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has stated that a vast area of the ocean has already been surveyed in a joint effort between the MNDF and the Maldives Police Service to locate the missing individuals.
An MNDF officer, speaking to RaajjeMV on condition of anonymity, stated that despite the significant expansion of the search operation, the depth of the area where the supply boat capsized and sank is approximately 5,400 feet. He further noted that since the vessel sank completely while loaded with river sand, diving to its current depth is impossible.
The officer stated that the three missing individuals were last seen attempting to pump out water from the approximately 98-foot vessel as it began to flood. It is highly suspected that they became trapped inside when the boat eventually capsized.
