A large-scale operation has been commenced to locate Nasrulla Abdulla who went missing at sea after a dinghy and a speedboat collided on Thursday evening.
Nasrulla was traveling in a dinghy boat with two relatives of his wife when it met with an accident with a speedboat. Although the exact location at which the accident took place is unknown, it is believed the incident occurred between Dhonfanu island and Hanifaru island of Baa atoll. While Nasrulla has been lost at sea during the incident, MNDF and the police are searching for the missing man with assistance from the public. No signs of the man have been found thus far, MNDF said Friday.
While 15 vessels were utilized in the search for Nasrulla on Thursday, including Coast Guard vessels as well as police and public speed boats and dhonis, he was not located during the efforts. Although some items were found sea during the search, it is unknown if the items are from the dinghy vessel Nasrulla was on, said MNDF.
In a press conference held Friday, Principal Director of Maldives Coastguard, Lieutenant Ahmed Mujuthaba Mohamed said a large area is being canvassed via water and air to locate Nasrulla. While several divers and a remotely operated vehicle are being utilized in water, three other vessels are cruising the waters searching for a sign of the missing man, said Mujuthaba.
Additionally, an area covering 120 nautical miles will be searched via helicopter, informed the lieutenant. A large area of the Baa atoll will be covered under the efforts, and night vision cameras are being utilized after sun-down, said Mujuthaba. He added that the efforts to locate Mjuthaba will be continued although no signs of Nasrulla nor the dinghy have been found at this point.
Lieutenant Mujuthaba said the biggest challenge faced by MNDF and police in their efforts to locate Mujthaba is not knowing the exact location at which the accident took place.
"We believe the accident occurred north of Dhonfanu island near a reef named Angafaru. The operation is facing complications as we are unable to pinpoint an exact location where the accident occurred," said Mujuthaba.
The two relatives of Nasrulla who were aboard the vessel at the time of the accident sustained injuries in the incident. While they are receiving treatment, neither the relatives nor those on the second vessel in the accident are able to recall the area at which the incident took place.
While the police are conducting a full investigation on the accident, several important factors will be noted regarding the accident, said Mujuthaba. MNDF appealed to those traveling in the area to keep an eye out for Nasrulla and the dinghy, and to share any information with thevauthorities immediately without delay.
