Maldives National Defence Force MNDF says it has searched 440 square nautical miles by sea and air to find the missing reef fishing sea vessel from Meemu Madduvaree.
The vessel went out fishing yesterday evening and was reported missing off Raimandhoo of the same Atoll.
MNDF kicked off the search for the missing vessel last night around 23:20. MNDF said that its airforce corp is using an Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the search. This is the first time a drone flown by the Maldivian military is being used in a search and rescue mission.
In its latest update, MNDF confirmed that it had searched 440 square nautical miles by sea and air to find the missing vessel. It further said that MNDF Coastguard ship Shaheed Ali has now joined the search as it expands the operation.
MNDF confirmed that the search would continue for the missing vessel.
Initially, MNDF said that the vessel was carrying two individuals but later confirmed that three individuals were aboard the missing vessel named 'Farihi 2'.
