US Navy Boeing P‑8A Poseidon Conducts 6,300nm Aerial Search in Maldives for Three Missing After 'Friend 4' Capsize

A United States Navy Boeing P‑8A Poseidon has carried out low‑level maritime search operations over the zone where three Maldivians were lost after the capsizing of the supply vessel Friend 4.

The Poseidon’s mission yesterday covered 6,300 square nautical miles, focusing on areas identified by Maldivian authorities. Its deployment follows a formal request for international assistance as the search enters its 11th day.

The individuals still missing are Captain Mohamed Hamdhoon, who commanded Friend 4, along with Maldives Police Sergeant Ali Nafiu and MNDF Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Ahmed, both members of the rescue team. The two officers had boarded the vessel to assist in pumping out water after it began taking on water late Monday night. All three remained on board to operate the pumps when a sudden large wave overturned the vessel within seconds.

Since the incident, Maldivian Dash8 aircraft and the MNDF’s Bayraktar TB2 drone have searched 17,220 square nautical miles by air. At sea, 2,790 square nautical miles have been covered using multiple vessels, including the MNDF Coast Guard vessel Imadhudheen, donated by Australia.

MNDF officials believe the vessel may have sunk to a depth of around 1,600 metres, a depth far beyond human diving capability and one that severely limits any possibility of recovery.