MNDF: Friend 4 Lies More Than 1,600m Deep, Beyond Military Submarine Reach
15 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 09:25The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has conducted extensive air and sea search operations using drones and Coast Guard vessels to locate three individuals missing after the "Friend 4" boat capsized. While commending the bravery shown by both the survivors and those missing during the incident, military officials noted that the vessel foundered in waters exceeding a depth of 1,600 meters.
Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Ahmed of the Maldives National Defence Force, Sergeant Ali Naafiu of the Maldives Police Service, and the vessel's captain, Mohamed Hamdhoon, who went missing after the supply boat "Friend 4" capsized. | Raajje MV
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has stated that the supply vessel "Friend 4," which capsized recently, sank in an area exceeding 1,600 meters in depth. Officials noted that this depth surpasses the operational limits of even military or nuclear-powered submarines.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) announced on Friday night that search and rescue operations remain ongoing for three individuals reported missing after the supply boat "Friend 4" capsized and sank. The incident occurred on the night of August 6, 2026, approximately 8 nautical miles northeast of Gaafu Alif Atoll Kudalafari.
The individuals missing following the capsizing of the supply vessel "Friend 4" have been identified as Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Ahmed of the Maldives National Defence Force, Sergeant Ali Naafiu of the Maldives Police Service, and the vessel's captain, Mohamed Hamdhoon.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has stated that since the country now possesses the capability to conduct aerial search and rescue operations for missing vessels and persons within its maritime territory, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been deployed from the onset of the incident to locate the missing individuals.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that since these UAVs are equipped with infrared sensors capable of detecting objects at sea even at night, they were deployed on the night of the incident to search for survivors in the affected area.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) further stated that UAV sensors have successfully identified floating sacks and other debris resulting from the vessel's sinking.
Furthermore, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that the search operation in the area involved the "Coast Guard Ship Imaduddin"—a vessel gifted by the Australian government—alongside Coast Guard interceptor crafts, harbor patrol launches, and police vessels. The MNDF also confirmed that the search covered the reefs of Gaafu Alif Atoll to the south of the Huvadhoo Sea, as well as the reefs of Laamu Atoll to the north.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that search operations have covered a vast area of the Huvadhu Sea, based on the vessel's sinking location and projected drift patterns influenced by prevailing currents and winds. MNDF further noted that they expect to complete the search of the entire Huvadhu Sea area by the end of Saturday.
The location where a Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) officer, a police officer, and the boat's captain went missing during a maritime operation. | MNDF
According to information provided by survivors, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) confirmed that everyone who jumped overboard as the vessel began to sink has been rescued. The MNDF further detailed that those rescued include a Coast Guard Harbor Patrol crew member, an MNDF auxiliary fireman, and a police officer, all of whom were on board at the time. The three crew members who were on the vessel were also among those saved.
Furthermore, the MNDF highlighted the heroic efforts of Coast Guard diver Sergeant Asrar Ali, a crew member of the Harbor Patrol launch involved in the incident. They commended his exceptional bravery in the Huvadhu Sea, where he worked tirelessly while adrift to save the lives of two foreigners who were traveling on the vessel.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Ahmed of the military, along with Sergeant Ali Naafiu and Sergeant Ali Saif of the Maldives Police Service, have demonstrated an exemplary model of bravery. The MNDF highlighted that these officers embody the dedication of the security forces, who prioritize national service and duty while making every effort to protect the lives and property of the citizens.
Furthermore, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) highlighted the courageous efforts of MNDF Auxiliary Fireman Abdulla Shafeeq during the operation. The MNDF also noted that the vessel's captain, Mohamed Hamdhoon, remained dedicated to his responsibilities until the very last moment. According to information gathered from the survivors, the captain fought bravely to save the vessel; however, it foundered with extreme suddenness.
The MNDF stated that the depth of the area where the vessel sank is estimated to exceed 1,600 meters. They further noted that this depth is beyond the operational limits of even military or nuclear-powered submarines.
As of Friday, eight days have passed since the incident occurred. The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that as part of the search efforts for the three missing individuals, an aerial search covering 9,920 square nautical miles was conducted up until 18:00 on August 14, 2026. Additionally, MNDF confirmed that a maritime search spanning 2,790.10 square nautical miles has also been completed.
