Over 3,500 KM² canvassed in search for missing sailors after landing craft sinking

The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has canvassed over 3,500 square kilometers through maritime and aerial efforts in the search for two sailors who went missing on Friday, after the landing craft they were on capsized off K. Gaafaru.

The vessel had been traveling from K. Thilafushi with a crew of 10 – two Maldivians and eight expatriates – when it sank off Gaafaru on Friday morning. Eight sailors were safely rescued, while two, both of them Indian nationals, went missing.

In a statement on Tuesday, the MNDF said the search for the missing sailors remains in progress.

According to the MNDF, the Air Corps have searched 3,580 square kilometers via air and sea, while the CGS Imaduddin and First Inspector Craft have searched 441 nautical miles via sea, and Coast Guard divers have searched 675,120 square meters.

“The two expatriates have yet to be found,” said the MNDF.

The MNDF have asked neighboring islands and vessels traveling the area to be on the lookout for any sign of the missing sailors.

Anyone with information regarding the missing sailors have been asked to contact the MNDF Coast Guard via the toll free number 191 or via 3395981 or 3398898. Information can also be faxed via 3391665.

The eight people rescued from the landing craft were taken to Gaafaru on Friday.

The marine accident took place amid rough seas and strong winds unleashed by monsoon rains.