Drones, Aircraft Deployed as Search Expands for Two Missing After Gaafaru Barge Sinks
Aerial view shot from the UAV deployed to search for missing persons.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has expanded its search operation for two people missing after a landing craft vessel sank near K. Gaafaru, deploying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a Maldivian flight alongside ongoing sea and diving operations.
The MNDF said search operations are being carried out by air using a UAV and a Maldivian flight, while MNDF Coastguard and Maldives Police Service vessels continue searching the area by sea.
advertisement
ގެއްލިގެން ހޯދަމުންދާ 3 މީހުން ހޯދުމަށް ޓަކައި ސިފައިންނާއި ފުލުހުން ގުޅިގެން ދަނީ ހުއްޓުމެއްނެތި މަސައްކަތްކުރަމުން. pic.twitter.com/iS3cO3PSfd— Maldives National Defence Force (@MNDF_Official) August 6, 2026
The MNDF Air Corps has so far searched an area of 3,580 square kilometres by air and sea, while the Coastguard Ship Imaaduddin and Fast Interceptor Craft have covered 441 square nautical miles, according to the army. Coastguard divers have also searched 675,120 square metres through underwater operations.
Despite the extensive search efforts, the two missing individuals have not yet been located.
The MNDF has urged vessels travelling through the area and nearby islands to remain alert and report any information that could assist the search. Information can be provided to the MNDF Coastguard through the toll-free number 191, or 3395981 and 3398898.
The LCV was carrying 10 people, including two Maldivians and eight foreign nationals, when it sank on Friday. Eight people survived the incident and were brought to Gaafaru, while police confirmed that the two people still missing are foreign nationals.
The incident occurred amid rough weather affecting parts of the Maldives during the ongoing southwest monsoon.
