The Maldives National Defence Force has said that the search for two missing children in Addu City is 'still ongoing'.

The Maldives National Defence Force have dispatched divers and are using a helicopter in their 'air and sea' search of the area surrounding southernmost Addu City. Authorities had used their ‘diving robot’ in the search as well.

17-year-old Ali Fahmy and 14-year-old Mayamin Ali have still not been found. They were swimming at Hithadhoo region’s seaward side with a friend, 16-year-old Raaif Ali.

Raaif was pulled out of the water by Hassan Hussain, who witnessed the children struggle against strong currents in the area and went to their rescue. While he went back for the remaining children, he had lost sight of them.

Hithadhoo's seaward side, as it is referred to by locals, is frequently used for swimming. Hassan and a relative of his had reported waves that struck the coast on the day of the incident to have been exceptionally large and for currents to have been stronger than they are ordinarily.