Eight Days Since Friend 4 Capsizing; Search for Missing Maldivians Continues
14 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހުކުރު 07:38Despite an extensive search operation covering 9,400 square nautical miles, there has been no sign of a soldier, a police officer, and the captain who went missing eight days ago after the vessel "Friend 4" capsized in the Huvadhu Sea. While the government previously indicated it was seeking international assistance for the search, no specific details have been disclosed, and the families of the missing have expressed deep concern over the lack of direct communication from the President.
Three people missing after supply boat "Friend 4" capsized. | Social Media
Eight days after the supply boat "Friend 4" capsized in the Huvadhu Sea, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has confirmed that the three missing Maldivians have yet to be found. The MNDF further stated that any involvement of international assistance in the search efforts would be officially announced by the government.
When contacted by RaajjeTV for an update on the supply boat capsizing in the Huvadhu Sea, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that search operations for the missing persons are ongoing. The MNDF further noted that any involvement of foreign assistance would be officially announced by the government, adding that their media wing has not yet received any information regarding such external aid.
The incident occurred on the night of August 5, 2026, at approximately 22:37, when a supply vessel traveling from Th. Madifushi to Huvadhu Atoll sank while carrying a cargo of rocks and aggregate. Of the eight individuals on board at the time of the incident, seven were rescued by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). However, a soldier and a police officer involved in the rescue operation, along with the vessel's captain, remain missing.
In a post on "X" on August 10 regarding the incident, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that they have searched an area spanning more than 9,400 square nautical miles.
Furthermore, although the government stated it had decided to seek international assistance in the search for the missing persons, no further details have been disclosed regarding the matter. Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam did not respond to inquiries seeking information on the progress of these efforts.
The families have also stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has not reached out to offer his condolences following the disappearance at sea of Police Sergeant Ali Naafiu and MNDF Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Ahmed.
