Authorities have launched an extensive search operation to locate a man who fell into the sea from a safari vessel near the Mirihi Island Resort in the Maldives.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) reported that the individual, identified as Ali Arshad, 35, from Holhudhoo in Noonu Atoll, went missing after the incident occurred last night aboard the North 7 safari.

According to police, CCTV footage from the vessel shows Arshad standing on the deck before losing his balance and falling overboard. The footage reveals that his head struck the bottom of the boat during the fall.

The MNDF and police have since launched a coordinated search effort involving both marine and aerial units to locate Arshad. As of now, his whereabouts remain unknown.