Missing Kolama boat located; captain declared dead on arrival at hospital

Kolama, a boat from Gaafu Alifu Atoll Kolamaafushi en route to Gaafu Alifu Atoll from Laamu Atoll that had been missing since last night, has been located.

Maldives Police Service, in a message to the media on Monday, said the boat was located at approximately 13:35pm this afternoon near Ekefara area. They added that the boat’s captain was being transported to Gaafu Alifu Atoll Hospital in Villingili for treatment, without specifying the reason.

However, shortly afterwards, Police, citing the hospital, said the captain had already been dead on arrival.

The captain has been identified as Adam Saeed, Dhonveli, Gaafu Alifu Kolaamafushi.

According to a post by an individual on Facebook last night, Kolama had gone radio silent after crossing Laamu Atoll to Huvadhoo sea. As such, the person appealed to anyone with information regarding the boat to contact them. 

Kolamaafushi councilor Riyaz Hussain told Sun that the boat crew comprises foreigners except for a Maldivian, who is the captain of the boat. 

"The crew comprises of foreigners except for the captain, who is a Maldivian. He cannot be contacted. The foreign crew members are saying something happened to him," he said. 

Gaafu Alifu Hospital's Manager, Ali Shameem, told Sun that a boat went to retrieve the Kolama boat's crew after it was located, adding the captain was already dead when brought aboard. 

"We went near the boat, which was approximately four miles off Ekefara, and took the body. He was already dead at that time," Shameem said. 

Shameem said it is likely Saeed died sometime last night. 

It is unclear at the moment whether Saeed suffered any injuries or suffers from any diseases. 

The case is under investigation by the Police.