The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has confirmed that a search operation is still underway for two foreign nationals missing after a landing craft capsized near K. Gaafaru yesterday morning.

The vessel, which departed from Thilafushi, was reported to have overturned around 08:48 AM. At the time of the incident, there were ten individuals on board. While eight people have been successfully rescued, authorities are still searching for the remaining two expatriate workers.

The MNDF Coast Guard has deployed the ship ‘Imaduddin’ along with a Fast Interceptor Craft to conduct extensive air and sea searches. Despite these efforts, officials reported that no sign of the missing individuals has been found yet. The eight survivors were transported to Gaafaru, where the local council confirmed they are in generally good health, suffering only minor abrasions and scratches.

The incident occurred amidst a period of severe seasonal weather across the Maldives. The Maldives Meteorological Service has forecasted rough seas with wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph. In light of these conditions, authorities have advised the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid non-essential sea travel until conditions improve.