Death toll from landing craft capsize rises to two, one remains missing

The death toll from the capsize of a landing craft that set off from Male’ City with a crew of seven people on Thursday has risen to two, as the Coast Guard recovered the body of a second sailor from under water.

Almaak Fiya, a 100-foot landing craft, was headed from Male’ City to the resort island of K. Eriyadhoo with a crew of seven people when it overturned at 1.3 nautical miles off K. Thulhaagiri on early Thursday. Four of the crew members were rescued by the Coast Guard, while two out of the three sailors who went missing have now been confirmed dead.

In a brief press statement on late afternoon, the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) confirmed that divers from the Coast Guard have recovered the body of a second person who went missing in the incident.

It comes after divers from the Coast Guard recovered the body of Ahmed Shifan, 38, Sarusoonuge, GA. Dhaandhoo, from under water earlier in the morning.

The police had previously said that two of the three sailors who went missing were foreign workers; an Indian national and a Sri Lankan national.

The MNDF did not specify whose body they recovered in the afternoon.

The Coast Guard continues to search for the crew member who remain missing.

The landing craft sank after it capsized, and the MNDF has issued an alert warning seafarers to be on the lookout for floating debris, which appears to be floating towards the east of Thulhaagiri.

The tragic marine accident had come amid a weather alert by the Maldives Meteorological Service, warning of torrential rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and rough seas across the country.

Authorities have appealed to limit sea travel to necessary trips.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has issued a statement expressing profound sadness over the tragedy, providing assurance that the rescue of the two crew members who remain missing is being treated as a matter of top priority.

He also urged seafarers to follow instructions and advisories issued by the authorities amid bad weather conditions.