Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has ceased the search operation for Mohamed Minhaj, 28, who went missing after a speedboat overturned near AA. Maalhos.

MNDF said on Tuesday that during the search operation, a total of 2,000 nautical miles were searched via air and 665 nautical miles on sea for the missing man.

"We have ceased the search operation," MNDF said.

Maldives Police Service (MPS) is still continuing the search for Minhaj. As such, a team of divers searched an area of 8,573 metres under water on Monday, Police said.

"We are continuing the search for Minhaj," Police had said.

Minhaj was reported missing around 2050hrs on 6 October by his family.

MPS has appealed for the public to contact 119 or 3322111 if anyone has information regarding Minhaj.