Tuesday
11th Aug 2026
Dhivehi Edition
Photo: MNDF
The Maldives is seeking international assistance to locate three people who remain missing after the supply boat *Friend 4* sank, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
In a statement issued on social media, the ministry said the government was prioritising efforts to locate the missing individuals and was working closely with the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service.
The ministry said it was also consulting foreign parties to obtain the technical assistance required for the search operation, as well as support for work related to the sunken vessel.
It assured that authorities would continue working without interruption with the relevant agencies to locate those missing in the incident.
According to the latest information released by the MNDF, search teams have covered more than 7,400 square nautical miles by air and sea. This includes 6,112 square nautical miles covered by air and 1,370.10 square nautical miles by sea.
Friend 4 sank during the night of August 5. Three people were reported missing while efforts were being made to rescue those on board.
The missing people are identified as 33-year-old Police Sergeant Ali Naafiu; 39-year-old MNDF Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Ahmed; and the vessel's captain, 35-year-old Mohamed Hamdoon of Dhonveli, Th. Madifushi.
The Friend 4 was a supply vessel that had departed from Thaa Atoll carrying coral gravel and rock bound for Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.