Aerial Search of 6,112 sq Nautical Miles Carried Out for 3 Missing Men

The aerial search for three men missing after the capsizing of the supply vessel Friend 4 has logged more than 6,112 square nautical miles in cumulative coverage, according to updated figures from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

The vessel was travelling from Laamu Atoll towards Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll carrying rocks and aggregate when it began taking on water after being hit by a large wave late Monday night. The vessel later sank about 4.1 nautical miles from Gaafu Dhaalu Kudalafari, in waters estimated to be approximately 1,645 metres deep.

Eight people were on board the boat, including Captain Mohamed Hamdhoon. A distress call was received at 22:37, and the seven crew were rescued shortly afterward.

However, the captain remained on board together with Maldives Police Sergeant Ali Nafiu and MNDF Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Ahmed, who were part of the responding rescue team. The three stayed on the vessel to operate pumps in an attempt to remove water and stabilise the boat. According to authorities, the vessel suddenly tilted and sank while they were carrying out this effort, leaving all three men missing.

A video circulating online appears to show the boat taking on water before quickly going under.

Maritime search teams have covered more than 1,370 square nautical miles, deploying Coast Guard vessels. Despite the extensive surface and aerial coverage authorities report no signs of the missing men.

MNDF said the exact depth of the location is not known, but based on the estimated depth of 1,645 metres, bringing the sunken vessel back to the surface would not be practical.