Search underway after vessel sinks in Laamu Atoll
Police said there were 13 people on board at the time of the incident.
A search operation is underway for a missing individual after a vessel travelling from Malé to Gaafu Alif Villingili sank near Laamu Olhuveli early on Thursday.
According to the Maldives Police Service, a distress call was received at approximately 1:25am reporting that the vessel, identified as “Udhares”, had run aground on a reef near Olhuveli and was sinking.
Police said there were 13 people on board at the time of the incident.
One expatriate swam to safety at Laamu Olhuveli. A resort vessel rescued a further 11 individuals, including two Maldivians and nine expatriates. Authorities said all 12 individuals rescued are in stable condition.
Police stated that one Maldivian passenger remains missing, and that search and rescue operations are ongoing.
“We have received reports that one Maldivian who was travelling on the boat is missing, and an active search and rescue operation is currently underway to locate the individual,” police said.
Authorities also issued a notice to vessels operating in the area, stating that cargo from the sunken vessel is drifting west of Olhuveli. Mariners have been advised to proceed with caution.
