Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Japan Maritime Self Defence Force, on Monday, collaboratively conducted a search and rescue exercise.
The programme was conducted in the waters east of the airport island of Hulhule', Kaafu Atoll with Maldivian Coast Guard ship, 'Shaheed Ali' and a Japanese aircraft.
MNDF media official Captain Azim stated that the programme involved practical training of methods to rescue victims of maritime accidents. He revealed that a significant number of coastguard members participated in the exercise.
Several marine accidents occur annually in Maldives most of which are reported during the Southwest monsoon.