Foreigner missing after Kaashidhoo cargo vessel runs aground

A foreigner is missing after the cargo vessel Faisala, traveling from Male' to Kaashidhoo, ran aground on the island’s reef on Tuesday evening.

The incident occurred around 20:00 hours, according to local residents. The Male' Area Coast Guard Second Squadron responded to the scene following a tip-off, and the Maldives Police Service confirmed that 10 of the 11 people onboard were rescued. The search for the missing individual is ongoing, the MNDF said.

Speaking to Sun, Kaashidhoo Council President Mohamed Amir confirmed that the missing person is a foreigner, though he did not specify their nationality or role onboard. Amir added that the vessel was operating as a cargo ferry between Kaashidhoo and Male', and at the time of the grounding, only the captain and crew were aboard, no passengers.

However, the exact number of crew members remains unclear.

Videos obtained by Sun show half of the vessel submerged, indicating significant damage. The cause of the grounding has not yet been officially confirmed, and authorities have not released further details about the missing person.