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The MNDF has suspended efforts to locate three people missing after the supply vessel “Friend Four” sank in the Huvadhoo Channel last month.
Mariyam Adheela
Vessel Captain Th. Madifushi, Donveli, Mohamed Hamdhoon, Police Sergeant Ali Naafi, MNDF Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Ahmed
Male’: The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has suspended its search for three people who remain missing after the supply boat Friend Four sank in the Huvadhoo Channel on August 5.
The vessel was carrying cargo from Thilafushi to Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll when it encountered trouble and sank. Eight people were aboard, seven of whom were rescued during a joint operation by the MNDF and Maldives Police Service.
The missing individuals are the vessel’s captain, Th. Madifushi, Donveli, Mohamed Hamdhoon, Police Sergeant Ali Naafi, who was involved in the rescue effort; and MNDF Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Ahmed.
According to the MNDF, the search operation failed to locate the three missing men and has now been called off. The force has not disclosed when the operation was suspended or provided further details about the final search area.
The MNDF had previously said search teams had covered the Huvadhoo Channel and that the possibility of locating the missing men on the surface was considered very low.
The vessel was located at a depth of more than 1,600 metres, making recovery and underwater search operations extremely difficult.
The MNDF said the depth exceeds the safe operating limits of divers and is also beyond the diving capability of military submarines, significantly limiting efforts to reach the wreck.
The bodies of the missing men have not been recovered.
