MNDF: No connection between oil spill, landing craft; search ongoing

There’s no connection between the oil spill found in the ocean and the landing craft “Mariya-3” which went missing with six people onboard while traveling from K. Thulusdhoo to L. Gan, reports Maldives National Defense Force.

The statement was made by MNDF’s information officer, Captain Ibrahim Azim.

“Based on our investigation, it’s not connected with the landing craft. There’s no sign of the landing craft,” said Azim.

The landing craft “Mariya-3” is owned by Sri Lankan company Senok Private Limited. It had six people onboard when it went missing; four foreigners and a Maldivian couple from Th. Vilufushi.

The owner reports the last communication with the landing craft was made at 9:30 pm last Tuesday, May 16.

Search for the landing craft is in progress by MNDF Coastguard, with assistance in the air from a Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) seaplane and a MNDF helicopter.

MNDF has also reached for assistance from Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MMRC) in Mumbai, India.