Social media flooded with prayers for three missing individuals; police officer a father of two

Social media has been flooded with prayers and messages of hope following the disappearance of the three individuals reported missing in the sinking of a supply boat.

The eight-crew ‘Friend 4’ had been headed from Laamu Atoll to Huvadhoo Atoll, carrying a shipment of rock aggregate and coarse sand, when it began taking in water.

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

Seven of the eight crew members on the vessel were successfully rescued, while the vessel’s captain remains missing. A soldier and a police officer involved in the rescue efforts had also gone missing.

The missing police officer has been identified as Sergeant Ali Nafiu of Fulooniyage, N. Manadhoo and the MNDF solider as Ibrahim Ahmed.

Sergeant Naafiu, a father of two who is married to a native of Gaafu Alif Vilingili, has served in the Maldives Police Service for 14 years after joining the force in 2012.

Authorities have yet to release detailed information regarding Ibrahim Ahmed or the vessel's captain.

The disappearance of the three men has prompted an outpouring of support from the public, with friends, colleagues, and well-wishers taking to social media to pray for their safe return. In a heartfelt tribute, one of Sergeant Naafiu's colleagues described him as a dedicated, disciplined, and exemplary officer, while urging the public to keep the three missing men in their prayers.

In response to the incident, authorities have intensified search and rescue efforts, deploying Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV/drone), alongside a Maldivian airline flight to conduct aerial searches across the area.

Amid a recent rise in maritime incidents, authorities have once again urged seafarers to exercise extreme caution, closely monitor weather conditions, and ensure that all required safety equipment is on board before embarking on voyages.