Search Intensifies for Missing Fishing Boat, Drones Launched

In a concerning incident, a fishing boat carrying three individuals disappeared after departing from M. Maduvvari on Friday for a fishing trip near Raiymandhoo. 

Ibrahim Nisham, Vice President of Maduvvari Council, informed local media outlet Sun on Friday that the boat named “Farihi 2” left the island around 4:00 pm and was reported missing later the same night.

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Initially thought to have two male occupants, the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) later received information indicating that there were actually three people on board. These individuals were reportedly visitors from K. Maafushi.

To aid in the search, the MNDF Coast Guard deployed teams aboard the Coast Guard harbour craft 114 since 23:30 last night, alongside the Coast Guard fast interceptor craft ‘Maafaiy’.

Additionally, the MNDF Air Corps has launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, in the search efforts. This marks the first time drones, which were acquired just last month, have been utilized in a search and rescue operation. 

The search operation has covered over 440 nautical miles thus far as authorities intensify efforts to locate the missing boat and its occupants.