Missing trio likely trapped inside capsized vessel, chances of survival slim: MNDF

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has stated that the three individuals missing after the "Friend 4" vessel capsized are believed to be trapped inside the boat, noting that the chances of finding them alive are slim.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) announced on Monday that extensive air and sea search operations have been conducted across the Huvadhoo Sea to locate three individuals missing since the supply boat "Friend 4" capsized and sank. The vessel went down 4.1 nautical miles northeast of Gaafu Alif Kudalafari during the early hours of August 5, 2026. MNDF further stated that search efforts have accounted for potential drift patterns based on prevailing wind and ocean currents. This included targeted surveillance of the reefs along the relevant perimeters of both Huvadhoo Atoll and Laamu Atoll.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) highlighted that Maldivian aircraft and military TB2 drones were deployed in the search operation for the missing persons. The MNDF noted that these TB2 drones are equipped with infrared sensors capable of detecting objects at sea even at night, making them a vital asset in the aerial search for those lost in this incident. Furthermore, the MNDF stated that maritime search efforts were conducted using the "Coast Guard Ship Huravee," a vessel gifted to the Maldivian military by Australia. The search utilized the advanced technology onboard the ship to scan the waters for the missing individuals.

The search area covered in the operation to locate the three individuals missing after the capsizing of the vessel "Friend 4." | MNDF

Furthermore, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that the United States government provided assistance in the search and rescue operations for the missing persons, following a request from the Maldivian government.

As part of these efforts, a U.S. Navy P-8 aircraft was deployed on Sunday to conduct an aerial search over the Huvadhu Sea. According to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), this specialized maritime search, rescue, and surveillance aircraft covered an area of 6,300 square nautical miles, completing a comprehensive sweep of the entire Huvadhu Sea region.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that since a landing craft, a police vessel, and an MNDF launch were in close proximity when the boat began to sink, they were able to immediately rescue those who jumped overboard as well as those who managed to escape as the vessel capsized. According to the MNDF, the vessel capsized and sank abruptly into the deep waters of the Huvadhu Sea.

Consequently, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has stated that based on the search efforts conducted thus far and information gathered from the survivors, the likelihood of locating the missing individuals at sea is now slim.

The MNDF stated that the area in the Huvadhoo Sea where the vessel sank is estimated to be over 1,600 meters deep, a depth that is inaccessible to human divers. The MNDF further noted that this depth exceeds the operational limits of even the conventional and nuclear-powered submarines utilized by foreign naval forces.

Eleven days after the incident, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) reported that as of 18:00 on August 16, 2026, search operations for the three missing persons have covered 17,220 square nautical miles by air and 2,790.10 square nautical miles by sea. Additionally, the MNDF stated that an area of 288 square nautical miles, including the coastlines and reefs within the region, has also been thoroughly searched.

The individuals missing in this incident 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. Out of the eight people on board at the time of the incident, seven have been rescued by the MNDF.