US military aircraft assists search for 3 missing after supply boat sinks

The Maldives has sought assistance from the United States military in the search for three people who remain missing after a supply boat carrying gravel and sand sank while travelling between Laamu Atoll and Huvadhu Atoll last week.

A United States maritime patrol aircraft conducted a search operation over the area where the individuals went missing on Sunday afternoon.

President’s Office Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef said assistance was requested from the United States to support ongoing search efforts. According to Shareef, the aircraft spent approximately five hours patrolling the area.

The aircraft is understood to have operated at an altitude of about 1,500 feet during the search.

The vessel, Friend 4, sank on Wednesday night. The three individuals who remain missing are:

According to information released following the incident, the three men were attempting to pump water out of the vessel after it became flooded. A large wave later overturned the boat, with some of those on board reportedly inside the hold at the time.

The MNDF said search and rescue operations remain ongoing.

The military said surveillance drones have been deployed since the incident to assist in locating the missing individuals. During the operation, the drones identified floating sacks and debris believed to have originated from the vessel.

The MNDF also stated that, based on accounts provided by survivors, all individuals who jumped clear of the vessel as it sank were rescued.

Those rescued include members of an MNDF Coast Guard Harbour Patrol launch crew who had boarded the vessel, an MNDF auxiliary firefighter, a police officer and three members of the boat’s crew.

Authorities continue search operations in the area as efforts to locate the three missing men proceed.