Still no news of three men missing on Farihi-2 vessel: Ibrahim

Ibrahim Faisal, the owner of the Farihi-2 vessel, has stated that there is still no news of the three men who went reef fishing on the boat from Maduvvari.

Authorities are searching for the missing Maduvvari Farihi-2 vessel, which set out for reef fishing off the coast of M. Rathmandhoo. Three men from Maafushi went fishing on the vessel on Friday evening. Ibrahim mentioned that all three men are close friends of his, and he lent them the boat out of friendship.

They departed for fishing after Asr prayers on Friday, stating they would return around 8:00 pm. However, when there was no news of them well past 8:00 pm, Ibrahim shared the information with the MNDF Coast Guard and the Police.

Regarding the incident, the Police stated that they received information about the missing vessel and the unknown whereabouts of the men around 22:06 on Friday. Upon receiving the report, the M. Atoll Police launch has been active in the search for the vessel and the men, and the information was also shared with the MNDF.

The Police have requested anyone with information about the vessel or the men to contact the Police emergency number 119 or the Coast Guard.

The MNDF Central Area Command, Coast Guard Third Squadron, has also commenced search operations for the vessel. Reports indicate that two Coast Guard vessels are actively involved in the search.

The missing vessel is a 20-passenger boat typically used for diving excursions. Ibrahim noted that he often lends the boat to friends and others when they request it for sports fishing or reef fishing.

Note: The missing vessel was purchased by Ibrahim Faisal of Maduvvari from young Maafushi businessman Asim Mohamedfulhu (Simbe). However, the registry has not yet been transferred to Ibrahim's name. Ibrahim informed that this detail was highlighted when reporting the incident to the Police and MNDF.