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MNDF estimates that the “Friend 4” supply boat sank in an area about 1,645 metres deep. Three people, including an MNDF soldier, a police officer and the boat’s captain, remain missing as the search continues.
Mariyam Adheela
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has said the area where the supply boat “Friend 4” sank is estimated to be about 1,645 metres deep, making recovery of the vessel difficult.
The boat was travelling from Laamu Atoll towards Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll carrying rocks and aggregate when it began taking on water after being hit by a large wave. The vessel later sank about 4.1 nautical miles from Gaafu Dhaalu Kudalafari.
Eight people were on board the boat, including Captain Mohamed Hamdhoon and seven foreign nationals. The seven foreign passengers were rescued, but the captain, an MNDF soldier and a police officer went missing during efforts to save the sinking vessel.
The three missing men have not yet been found despite an ongoing search by the MNDF and Maldives Police Service.
MNDF said search teams have so far covered more than 5,200 square nautical miles by air and over 1,070 square nautical miles by sea.
According to a source familiar with the incident, the three men were trying to pump water out of the vessel when it suddenly tilted and sank. A video circulating online appears to show the boat taking on water before quickly going under.
MNDF said the exact depth of the location is not known, but based on the estimated depth, bringing the sunken vessel back to the surface would not be practical.
