The US Navy has joined the search for three people missing after a supply boat sank in the waters of GDh. Atoll.

The incident occurred on 5 August when the Friend 4, carrying cargo from Thilafushi, was travelling from Th. Madifushi towards GDh. Atoll. Seven of the eight people on board were rescued, while the boat’s captain, Thaa. Madifushi resident Mohamed Hamdhoon, 35, police Sergeant Ali Naafiu, 33, and MNDF Sergeant Ibrahim Ahmed, 39, remain missing.

Nine days after the incident, the search operation is continuing.

Flight tracking data shows a US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft operating in the Gaafu Dhaalu waters as part of the search.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Maldives Police Service are also continuing search efforts, using available maritime and aerial resources.

MNDF has said the vessel sank at a depth of more than 1,600 metres, making the search particularly challenging. The force is using unmanned underwater vehicles and Coast Guard vessels in the operation.

The Foreign Ministry previously said finding the missing people remained the highest priority and that international assistance was being sought for the search and recovery operation.