Search Underway for Missing Cargo Vessel with Three Passengers

Departing Thilafushi at 6:00 hrs on Friday morning, the vessel, carrying three passengers, was reported missing at 17:15 hrs the same evening, prompting immediate action from the MNDF.

Utilizing the Coastguard's ship 'Shaheed Ali', the MNDF has deployed resources in search of the vessel.

MNDF has asked the public to report any information about the vessel.

The disappearance coincides with the onset of the southwest monsoon, characterized by adverse weather conditions. The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) issued a Yellow Alert for all atolls spanning from Baa atoll to Seenu (Addu) atoll until 00:00 hrs last night, forecasting heavy rainfall, rough seas, and strong winds reaching speeds of 25 to 30 mph, with gusts peaking at 50 mph during this period.

Efforts remain ongoing as authorities strive to locate the missing vessel and its passengers amidst challenging weather conditions.