2 still missing following landing craft incident near Gaafaru
According to the MNDF, there were 10 people on board at the time of the incident, comprising eight foreign nationals and two Maldivians.
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The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) says two foreign nationals remain missing after a landing craft capsized near K. Gaafaru on Friday.
The vessel overturned while travelling from K. Thilafushi.
According to the MNDF, there were 10 people on board at the time of the incident, comprising eight foreign nationals and two Maldivians.
Eight people have been rescued, while search operations continue for the two missing foreign nationals.
The MNDF said it received the initial report of the incident at around 8:48 am on Friday, after which the Coast Guard immediately launched search and rescue operations by sea and air.
According to the MNDF, the search operation has included:
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Air and sea searches covering an area of 3,580 square kilometres by the Air Corps.
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A search of 441 square nautical miles by Coast Guard vessel Shaheed Ali and a First Interceptor Craft.
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Underwater searches by Coast Guard divers covering 675,120 square metres.
"Despite extensive efforts conducted so far, the two missing foreign nationals have not yet been located," an MNDF Information Officer said on Monday.
The MNDF has appealed to vessels travelling through the area and residents of nearby islands to remain alert for any signs of the missing individuals.
Anyone with information has been requested to contact the MNDF Coast Guard through its toll-free hotline on 191 or by calling 3395981 or 3398898.
