Body of police officer recovered after disappearance at sea

The body of a police officer who went missing from a police launch during an operation on Thursday morning has been recovered from underwater, according to the Maldives Police Service.

Police said Senior Sergeant Ahmed Asif was reported missing from Police Launch 57 while the vessel was engaged in an operation.

An immediate search and rescue effort was launched following the report.

According to police, search teams later located the officer's body underwater.

"During the search efforts, the officer's body was located underwater. His body has since been transported to the Mathiveri Health Centre in Alif Alif Atoll," a police media official said.

Police, citing officials at the health centre, confirmed that Asif was declared dead upon arrival.

The Maldives Police Service said support is being provided to the officer's family and colleagues.

Police also expressed appreciation to members of the public who assisted in the search operation.

The circumstances surrounding the incident have not yet been disclosed.

Authorities said an investigation is underway to determine how the officer went missing and the events leading to his death.