Missing men were pumping water from hold before supply vessel capsized

The three people reported missing after a supply vessel capsized on Wednesday night were inside the vessel's hold attempting to pump out water when it overturned, sources familiar with the incident told Dhauru.

The vessel, Friend 4, was transporting aggregate and construction sand from Laamu Atoll to Huvadhu Atoll when it encountered rough seas.

According to a source, the vessel's captain, Mohamed Hamdhoon of Th. Madifushi, contacted emergency services after the boat began taking on water.

Police officers from GA. Villingili and a Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) team from GDh. Thinadhoo responded to the distress call.

"The sea was very rough even then. However, seven people aboard the boat were rescued and brought onto the police launch," the source said.

After those on board had been rescued, Captain Hamdhoon, two police officers and an MNDF officer entered the vessel's hold in an attempt to pump out the water and keep the vessel afloat.

According to another source, the vessel overturned while they were inside.

One of the police officers was able to escape from the hold as the vessel capsized. However, Captain Hamdhoon, police officer Ali Naafiu and MNDF officer Ibrahim Ahmed were unable to get out before the vessel sank.

The sources said both missing officers are married to women from GA. Villingili and have young children. They added that both men were the primary providers for their families.

The MNDF has confirmed that search and rescue operations are continuing.

According to the military, search efforts are being carried out by sea and air, with a Maldivian aircraft and surveillance drones deployed to assist in locating the three missing men.

No trace of the missing individuals had been found at the time of publication.