Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) states that the person who went missing in the landing craft overturning at Kaashidhoo Kandu (Kaashidhoo Sea) on Wednesday still remains unaccounted for.
The landing craft, which overturned at Kaashidhoo Kandu, belonged to Sifainge Welfare Company (SIWEC).
According to MNDF, SIWEC’s ‘LC 308’ was en route to Lhaviyani Atoll from Male’ with five aboard: three soldiers and two foreigners. Two people went missing in the incident.
One of the individuals, a soldier with 27 years of service, Warrant Officer Grade Two Ali Hamid from Seereenuge, Th. Hirilandhoo, was found dead.
MNDF said search efforts are still ongoing for the second individual who went missing in the incident that still remains unaccounted for.
Four aboard were rescued and transported to Lhaviyani Atoll Hospital for treatment. Hamid had already been dead when he was taken to the hospital, MNDF added.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu posted a message of condolence on X following Hamid’s death. In this regard, the President expressed deep sadness following Hamid’s passing and prayed to Almighty to bless his soul and patience for his family.
MNDF has warned that items on the landing craft were drifting eastward. As such, the authority urged vessels traveling in the area, especially at night, to exercise caution.