Police have discovered a dinghy with possible links to Aminath Shima Nafiz, who has been missing since February 2019.

On February 22, Shima boarded a flight from Velana International Airport to Fonadhoo and then attempted to travel to Maamendhoo island on a dinghy being steered by a man, who after the dinghy overturned, is to have placed her on top of it and swam to a nearby resort for help. Shima has been missing since.

While the submerged dinghy was discovered by a group of divers near Fonadhoo island, authorities are to have been notified immediately.

Despite reports indicating that the vessel has links to the missing 19-year-old, police did not clarify the matter, but said that officers are active near Fonadhoo after the discovery of the dinghy.

A search operation is underway at the area.

Police had, in October 2019, relaunched investigations into Shima’s case.

The prime suspect in the case is the individual who traveled with her on the dinghy; Ibrahim Fazeel. He was arrested with two other men in April 2019, while attempting to flee with Shima’s younger sister.

While there has been allegation of foul play, authorities have been unable to prove that Shima’s disappearance was intentional.