Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has said in court that the search for Mushfiq Mohamed Shareef, the 25-year-old who went missing in a cargo boat fire has not been stopped, and his death has not been officially declared, Laamu atoll Maavah Council said today.

Mushfiq went missing following a fire aboard Holhudhoo Boat in early April while it was transporting goods to Thaa and Laamu atolls.

Out of approximately 18 people on board, he was the only one unaccounted for after the incident.

Maavah Council President Ahmed Moosa said that although the family had requested a funeral in absentia, the prayer initially scheduled to be held at Masjid al-Bilal was delayed.

The council postponed it after consulting religious scholars, legal experts, and referencing guidance from the Fatwa Committee. The prayer will only be held after court proceedings are complete.

Maavah Magistrate Court will oversee hearings to determine whether Mushfiq can be declared deceased. However, no date has been set for the hearings.

“Although this case was said to be urgent, it is being processed like any other case,” Moosa said, voicing concern over the delay.

According to Moosa, MNDF responded in writing to an earlier council inquiry stating that they were still searching for Mushfiq. However, he expressed doubt about whether an active search is still ongoing.

Moosa said the council is now looking into the extent of MNDF's current efforts and intends to meet with Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon to discuss the matter.

He added that Mushfiq’s father recently requested help in obtaining a formal document from MNDF to push the case forward.

“Mushfiq is not just a name on this island. He was a respectful and well-loved young man,” Moosa said.

“The delay in deciding his case is causing concern among residents.”

Mushfiq, an architecture student at the Polytechnic, had traveled home to Maavah to spend the last 10 days of Ramadan with his family. When the fire broke out, all those aboard the boat jumped into the sea. Mushfiq, who could not swim, disappeared shortly after jumping in with his brother.

Extensive searches were conducted by sea and air, but he has not been found.