Boat missing with 13 people onboard, last heard from 1 week back

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has said that the whereabouts of the A. Dh. Hanyaameedhoo boat “Ajuma” was still unknown, having set off on a fishing trip carrying 13 people last Monday.

MNDF made a public appeal for assistance in locating the boat on Saturday night.

Information officer of MNDF, Adnan Mohamed spoke to “Sun” and said that the whereabouts of the boat was still missing.

He also said that the MNDF Coastguard had not actively searched any area for the boat.

“We have not yet searched any area. In such cases, we don’t know where the boat will set off to and we therefore don’t know where to search. Perhaps they have their phones switched off or are in an area with no phone coverage,” said Adnan.

Owner of the boat, Ahmed Naseem reported that he had last heard from anyone on the boat last during Eid al-Adha, and that they had been prepared to set off from R. Rasmaadhoo then.

Naseem said that he predicted the boat would be travelling away from Rasmaadhoo.

“Ajuma” boat had set off with 13 people on a fishing trip from R. Rasgetheemu on last Monday.

MNDF reported that the boat is 78-feet in length and bright blue in color, with a red enclosed area.

Anyone with relevant information pertaining to the case has been requested to call the Coastguard hotline 191, or call 339-5981 or 339-8898.