The Gemanafushi Magistrate's Court has issued a public notice seeking information on a man who went missing at sea more than four decades ago as part of legal proceedings to declare him dead.

The court is seeking information on Hassan Mohamed, then aged 30, of Thandiraiymaage, Dhiyadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, who disappeared in the Huvadhoo Sea.

Anyone with information on whether Hassan Mohamed is alive or about the circumstances of his disappearance has been asked to contact the Gemanafushi Magistrate's Court before Saturday.

Gemanafushi Council Executive Mohamed Shiyam told Mihaaru News that Hassan went missing in a maritime accident in either 1983 or 1984 while travelling to Male' to transport an engine for installation on a vessel.

According to Shiyam, the vessel, which was being towed by another boat, departed despite bad weather.

"It was a night of heavy rain and strong currents in the Huvadhoo Sea. That's when he disappeared," he said.

Shiyam said Hassan was among about 20 people from Dhiyadhoo who went missing in the incident.

The application to legally declare Hassan dead was filed so his heirs can inherit shares he purchased in Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) when the company was established.

"He had bought shares when MTCC was formed. His heirs now want those shares transferred to them, but that can only happen after his death is legally confirmed," Shiyam said.

Dhiyadhoo was a sparsely populated island at the time of the incident. Following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, residents of the island were relocated during the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Most settled in Gemanafushi, while others moved to Kondey in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gan in Laamu Atoll.