Homeland Minister meets parents of missing police officer in Manadhoo

Minister of Homeland Security, Labor and Technology Ali Ihusaan and Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed have met the parents of Maldives Police Service Sergeant Ali Nafiu, who went missing while rescuing people during the sinking of the cargo supply boat Friend 4.

The minister and the Commissioner visited the home of Sgt Nafiu’s parents in N. Manadhoo, police said on Thursday.

During the meeting, Minister Ali Ihusaan conveyed a special message to the family on behalf of the President. He also expressed the government’s condolences to the families of all three missing men and praised the national courage shown by Sgt Nafiu during the rescue attempt.

The Minister assured the family that the government is closely monitoring every possible effort to find the missing persons and that search operations remain ongoing.

Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed also expressed the condolences of the entire police force to Sgt Nafiu’s family. He praised Nafiu’s spirit of service and said his courage to help people in distress symbolized the heavy responsibility carried by police officers.

The Commissioner further assured the family that the police will remain steadfast with them and will continue to support the search efforts until the end.

On the 12th of this month, the Minister and the Commissioner also met with Sgt Nafiu’s wife and son.

The Friend 4 supply boat, which departed Thilafushi on the 2nd of this month carrying construction material, began sinking on the night of the 5th.

Seven of the eight people on board were rescued. The boat captain, Mohamed Hamdhoon of Th. Madifushi, Police Sergeant Ali Nafiu, and MNDF Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Ahmed remain missing.

Authorities continue to search for the three men, though the chances of finding them are now considered very slim.