Three, including rescue officers, missing after cargo boat capsizes

Three people have gone missing after a cargo boat loaded with rock aggregate capsized in Laamu Atoll.

The eight-crew ‘Friend 4’ had been headed from Laamu Atoll to Huvadhoo Atoll when it began taking in water.

The incident was reported to the authorities at around 11:22 pm Wednesday, prompting the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and Maldives Police Service to launch rescue efforts.

Seven of the eight crew members on the vessel were successfully rescued, while the boat captain went missing.

The MNDF confirms that a police officer and soldier involved in the rescue mission have also gone missing.

“There were eight people aboard the vessel when the incident took place, seven of whom have now been rescued. Three people have gone missing in the incident. The missing persons include the captain of the boat, and a soldier and police officer involved in rescuing people,” stated the MNDF.

The MNDF Coast Guard and police continue to search for the missing persons.

The latest marine incident comes mere days after two Indian sailors went missing after a landing craft capsized off K. Gaafaru on Friday.

Both incidents took place amid rough seas and strong winds unleashed by monsoon rains.