The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has ended its search for an Indian sailor who went missing after a fire broke out on the Aagala boat last week.
The boat, which was used for cargo transportation between Male’ City and several southern islands, caught fire on March 6th due to an engine room malfunction.
The MNDF was notified of the incident at 02:37 am and immediately dispatched a rescue team. All 15 people on board, including five passengers, had to jump overboard. While 14 people were rescued, one sailor, an Indian national, remains missing.
Despite the extensive search operation conducted by the MNDF, the sailor has not been found. Consequently, the MNDF has called off the search, bringing the unfortunate incident to a close.
Further details on the search operation are set to be released by the MNDF on Sunday.
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks that maritime transportation poses, as even the slightest malfunction can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation. It also highlights the importance of safety measures and emergency protocols for those involved in maritime activities.