Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has started using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone to search for the missing Maduvvari boat.

The boat, 'Farihi 2', and its crew were reported missing at 10:45 pm last night, the MNDF said in a statement. There were three people in the boat.

The drone was flown to the area by MNDF last night. This is the first time a drone has been used in such an operation. However, the boat and people have not been found yet.

In addition to the drone, the search operation includes the Coast Guard Harbourcraft 114 in Muli and the Coast Guard fast interceptor craft 'Maafaiy' .