Military pulls out of S&R efforts for Felidhoo man, 117 square miles searched

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has ended their search and rescue efforts for 76-year-old Ahmed Hassan (Hasalhankoe) from V. Felidhoo, one week after he was reported missing.

MNDF information officer, Major Adnan Mohamed informed “Sun” that the military started the search and rescue operation for Hassan on August 11, and ended it on August 15 – after searching a 117.54 square mile area.

Military divers also participated in the operation, searching a 7.48 square mile area and diving as deep as 35 meters down.

Hassan was reported missing on August 10, and hasn’t been found since.

President of Felidhoo Council, Hassan Ali reported that they were very sure Hassan was lost at sea, noting that his sandals had been found on the beach, and his spectacles – from the ocean.

Hassan Ali said that the elderly man had been in considerably good health, and went swimming on a regular basis.

He said that Hassan may have fallen into the ocean after going near the water to urinate.

He is the father of seven, and grandfather and great-grandfather of multiple others.