MNDF officer dies, one missing after landing craft capsizes

Maldives National Defence Force has confirmed the identity of the person who died when SIWEC's landing craft 'LC 308' capsized earlier today.

The deceased has been identified as MNDF Warrant Officer 2 Ali Hamid of Th. Hirilandhoo.

The LC 308 was travelling from Male' to Lhaviyani atoll when it capsized in the Kashidhoo channel. The vessel was carrying three MNDF officers and three foreigners, MNDF has said.

Two persons went missing initially. MNDF Northern Area Command Coast Guard First Squadron later found Hamid, but he was pronounced dead when taken to the Lh Atoll Hospital.

One foreigner remains missing, while MNDF continues the search.

The remaining four persons sustained minor injuries, MNDF said.

MNDF has warned vessels traveling through the area to be cautious of debris and other material drifting from the capsized landing craft. Currents are carrying debris eastward from the capsizing site, four miles southwest of Lh. Kurendhoo, MNDF said.