Landing craft sinking: Two expats still missing two weeks into the incident

The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), on Thursday, that search efforts are still ongoing for the expatriates who went missing nearly two weeks ago after a landing craft sank near K. Gaafaru on July 31^st.

Security forces commenced a search and rescue operation on the morning of July 31^st after the landing craft, which had departed from K. Thilafushi carrying 10 people, sank.

Two Indian nationals remain unaccounted for following the incident, which will mark two weeks tomorrow.

Responding to inquiries from Sun, MNDF confirmed that efforts to locate the missing individuals are ongoing. The authorities said the search is being conducted both by air and at sea, but have not disclosed specific information on the total area covered by the operation.

The remaining eight people who were aboard the landing craft – two Maldivians and six expatriates – were rescued and transported to Gaafaru on the day of the incident.

The maritime accident occurred amid severe weather conditions affecting large parts of the Maldives. Less than a week later, another maritime incident was reported last Thursday, leaving three additional people missing.

The second incident involved the sinking of a supply vessel travelling to Huvadhoo Atoll. Those missing include the vessel's captain, as well as a police officer and an MNDF officer who had participated in efforts to rescue the vessel and its crew. None of the three have been located to date.