Farihi-2 Dhoni Incident: 440 square nautical miles searched so far

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has stated that 440 square nautical miles have been searched so far in the ongoing operation to locate the missing Farihi-2 dhoni, which departed for fishing from M. Maduvvari yesterday.

MNDF Information Officer Lieutenant Colonel Hussain Rasheed said that 440 square nautical miles have been searched by air and sea using Coast Guard vessels and drones. However, he stated that neither the dhoni nor the missing persons have been found yet.

"Not found yet. The search operation is still ongoing," Rasheed said.

Upon receiving the report of the missing Farihi-2 dhoni, the MNDF Central Area Command, Coast Guard Third Squadron, began the search operation last night. The "Coast Guard Harbour Craft 114" stationed in M. Muli began the search operation at 23:20 last night. Furthermore, the Air Corps' "UAV" drones have also been in use since around 2:00 am.

The Farihi-2 dhoni, which is used for diving excursions, departed for reef fishing around 4:00 pm yesterday.