Expat still missing more than 24 hours after cargo boat capsizing

More than 24 hours since the incident, Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) states the expatriate reported missing following the capsizing of a cargo vessel remains unaccounted for.

The capsizing of the cargo boat, ‘Balma 6’, near Taj Exotica Resort was reported to authorities at approximately 7:27am on Sunday morning.

Four people were aboard the vessel at the time of the incident. Two were rescued by a passing boat, while the other two were reported missing: a Maldivian and an expatriate.

The Maldivian, 60-year-old Ali Hussain from B. Hithaadhoo, who is the capsized boat’s captain, was later found deceased in Taj Exotica Resort's lagoon.

When questioned by Sun on Monday, MNDF said search efforts for the expatriate, who remains unaccounted for, are still ongoing.

Maldives, a country surrounded by sea, often sees tragic accidents at sea, many of which has claimed lives.