Drone Search Continues as Indian Billionaire Gautam Singhania’s Launch Accident Leaves Two Missing

The Maldives National Defence Force has deployed a Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicle to Vaavu Atoll as the search continues for two Indian nationals missing after a launch belonging to Indian billionaire Gautam Hari Singhania capsized near Felidhoo early Friday morning.

According to reports, the speedboat identified as a Cigarette high‑speed launch part of Singhania’s yacht TT Ashena overturned about two nautical miles southwest of Keyodhoo. Seven people were onboard at the time: five Indian men, including Singhania, and two women, one from the United Kingdom and one from Russia.

Police said five people were swept into the sea, including the Russian woman and four Indian men. Two of the Indian nationals remain missing, prompting an expanded search effort involving MNDF surface vessels, Coast Guard units, and the TB2 drone.

Singhania, 60, sustained minor injuries in the accident and was later discharged after treatment. He has since returned to Mumbai, where his spokesperson confirmed he is recovering.

The Bayraktar TB2, capable of wide‑area maritime surveillance and long‑endurance flight, is being used to extend the search radius across Vaavu Atoll and surrounding waters as authorities continue efforts to locate the missing individuals.

MNDF has not yet released further details regarding the cause of the capsizing, though the vessel involved is known for operating at very high speeds. The search operation remains active.