Missing cargo boat found after a day’s search; all 5 onboard safe

A cargo boat, which went missing shortly after it set off for Hulhumale’ from GDh. Gadhdhoo on Sunday, has been found off GA. Vilingili.

The cargo boat ‘Brilliant Carrier’, with a crew of five – three Maldivians and two expatriates - had set off for Hulhumale’ at around 08:00 pm on Sunday. However, all contact got lost with boat on early Monday. The last call to the boat was made at around 02:40 am Monday, when the captain said they had just exited the Huvadhoo Sea.

The boat was reported missing to the Gadhdhoo Police Station and the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Center at around 06:00 pm Monday, prompting a search and rescue operation.

In a statement on Tuesday, the MNDF said the Central Area Command’s Coast Guard Third Squadron had located the boat.

The boat was found 48 nautical miles northeast of Vilingili, with a stalled engine.

The police confirmed in a separate message that all onboard were found safe.

The MNDF said they were working with the boat’s owned to have it towed to a nearby island.