The Coast Guard (CG) of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has celebrated 40 years of service with a flag-hoisting ceremony.

The flag-hoisting ceremony held at 06:00 am on Wednesday morning at the Hulhumale' Jetty area was inaugurated by the Coast Guard Commandant, Colonel Mohamed Saleem.

Formed on January 1st, 1980, the Coast Guard is the naval or maritime branch of the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF). They are tasked with all relevant maritime activities ranging from assisting people at sea, search and rescue missions, border control, protecting the marine environment, and enforcing Maritime Law.

On the occasion of the Coast Guard's 40th anniversary, a variety of special activities have been planned for the course of the year, including a blood donation drive, a beach cleaning event and a coral farming event.

The ceremony also featured a speech by Coast Guard Commandant, Colonel Mohamed Saleem regarding the history of the coast guard, which ended with reciting a special prayer.

In addition to the Commandant, senior officers and other ranks of the Coast Guard participated in the ceremony. The ceremony concluded with the official song of the MNDF.