Gov’t Seeks Foreign Support in Search for Three Missing Crew

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is seeking foreign assistance to locate three people missing after the vessel Friend 4 sank off the Maldives.

The ministry said it is coordinating with the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service to find the missing individuals.

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The ministry said discussions are underway with foreign parties to secure technical assistance for the search operation and to carry out necessary work relating to the sunken vessel.

Our thoughts are with the missing persons, their families and loved ones during this difficult time. We will continue to coordinate closely with all relevant authorities and partners and mobilise every available effort in support of the ongoing search.
3/3— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇲🇻 (@MoFAmv) August 8, 2026

According to the latest information from the MNDF, search operations by sea and air have covered more than 7,400 square nautical miles. This includes 6,112 square nautical miles searched by air and 1,370.10 square nautical miles by sea.

The Friend 4 took on water and sank during the night of August 5 while carrying rocks and gravel from Thaa Atoll to Huvadhu Atoll. Three people went missing during the rescue efforts.

The missing individuals are Police Sergeant Ali Nafiu, 33; MNDF Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Ahmad, 39; and the vessel’s captain, Mohamed Hamdhoon, 35, of Dhonveli, Thaa Atoll’s Madifushi.

The Foreign Ministry said it will continue coordinating with relevant agencies to locate the missing people.