Maldivian seaplane used in search operation for missing young man

MNDF has started using a seaplane of the national airline, Maldivian in the search for the young man missing after he went diving to recover sea cucumbers near the uninhabited island of Huruelhi in Alifu Dhaalu atoll.

The MNDF Media Official said that the search is ongoing nonstop with two Coastguard vessels in the area with divers.

As the MNDF Coastguard continue to search the area via air as well, the official said that they are using a seaplane of Maldivian in the search.

The 23-year-old Ahmed Jailam, Shaviyani atoll Lhaimagu, was reported missing to MNDF around 3:45 p.m. yesterday.

He was part of the nine-person crew on board “Manfaa”, a Raa atoll Dhuvaafaru boat, to recover sea cucumber. Jailam was one of three people who went in the water around 1:15 p.m. to come up at 2 p.m.

MNDF said the search was initiated after Jailam didn’t surface even after the other two came up.

Jailam was wearing a black vest suit and a black BCD when he went diving along with a white pair of fins and a black mask. MNDF said that Jailam is 5’6 and has a red balloon with him.

As the search is still ongoing, authorities advise all vessels travelling in the area to keep be vigilant. And pass on any information regarding search to be passed on to the MNDF.