Search for missing crewman of Aagala vessel called off

MNDF on Sunday called off the search for the missing crew member of Aagala vessel, which caught fire while travelling near M. Thuvaru last week.

The Aagala boat caught fire in the early hours of Monday. An Indian crew member who was on board the ship at the time was missing when the fire broke out while it was on its way to Male from Addu.

It has been six days since the security forces have been looking for him. 

Out of the 15 people on board the Aagala vessel, which is very popular in the south of the country, all but the one missing crew member survived the fire.

He has been missing for the past six days. 

On board at the time:

In addition to Addu, people from other southern islands also avail the Aagala boat. Hence, the sinking of the boat is an impediment to business in the area, according to some residents.

The owners of the boat are yet to provide details of the financial losses caused by the incident. 

MNDF says the search for the missing person was stopped after 72 hours of work. A total of 2,164 square metres of land has been inspected by sea and air, he said.

Aagala boat usually makes 3-4 trips between Addu and Male every month. 

The 14 survivors have been discharged from M. Muli Hospital.