The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has significantly expanded its search and rescue operation, covering an area exceeding 7,400 square nautical miles in search of three individuals missing after the “Friend 4” supply vessel foundered between Thaa Atoll and Huvadhu Atoll.

The extensive operation, conducted by both air and sea, has utilized aircraft and helicopters to survey 6,112 square nautical miles, while maritime vessels have searched an additional 1,370.10 square nautical miles. Despite these exhaustive efforts, authorities confirmed that no signs of the missing persons have been found to date.

The three missing individuals include Police Sergeant Ali Nafiu, 33, and MNDF Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Ahmed, 39, both of whom were reportedly engaged in assisting those on the vessel, as well as the vessel’s captain, Mohamed Hamdoon, 35, of Th. Madifushi.

The “Friend 4,” a supply boat transporting construction materials including sand and stone, reported taking on water and sinking at approximately 22:40 last Wednesday. While eight people were on board at the time of the incident, the search continues for the three identified personnel who remain unaccounted for.