Two people are missing after a landing craft capsized near Kaafu Gaafaru on Friday morning, prompting a search operation.

Police said they received a report at around 9am that a landing craft was taking on water and sinking.

There were 10 people on board at the time of the incident. Eight have been rescued, while two remain missing.

The vessel was carrying eight Bangladeshi nationals and two Maldivians. Police said the two missing people are Bangladeshi nationals.

In a separate marine incident on Friday morning, a safari boat off Kaafu Maafushi was destroyed after its anchor came loose, causing the vessel to run aground on a reef.

The incidents come as severe weather affects Maldives.

Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) has issued a yellow alert for severe weather, warning of winds of up to 50mph. The alert has been extended until 3:30pm.

MET Office said a low-pressure trough over the northern and southeastern parts of the country has generated extensive rain clouds across the western Maldives.

Sporadic weather is expected to persist across most parts of the country, with adverse conditions forecast to continue over the next two days.