Sunday
9th Aug 2026
Dhivehi Edition
Photo: MNDF
Maldivian security forces have searched more than 6,000 square nautical miles for three people missing after a supply boat sank while travelling from Thaa Atoll to Huvadhoo Atoll, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) said.
The vessel, named 'Friend 4', began taking on water late on Thursday before sinking while security forces were responding to the incident, the MNDF said.
Eight people were aboard the vessel, of whom seven were rescued. Those still missing are an MNDF member, a police officer and the boat's captain.
Search and rescue operations have continued, with aircraft and surface vessels covering a combined 6,282.10 square nautical miles by Friday night, according to the MNDF.
Aircraft had searched 5,212 square nautical miles, while surface vessels had covered a further 1,070.10 square nautical miles.
"So far the missing persons have not been found," the MNDF said.
The search operation remains ongoing.