The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has sent condolences to the family of Easa Khaleel, former President of the Kaashidhoo island council who was found dead on Sunday.

57-year-old Khaleel was found dead inside his dinghy at the island’s coast at around 2:45 pm on Sunday. He was declared dead on arrival by doctors at the local health centre, according to the council’s incumbent President Ali Sultan.

In a statement released on Monday, MDP noted that Khaleel, who had been elected to the council under an MDP ticket twice, was ‘a loyal’ member of they party who 'contributed immensely' to its success. Khaleel won the council presidency in 2011, and had went on to serve two terms.

The party sent condolences and prayers to Khaleel’s family.