# Maldives search for missing crew after vessel sinking > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/maldives-search-for-missing-crew-after-vessel-sinking > Updated: 2026-08-16T19:07:57.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Following the sinking of the supply vessel ‘Friend 4’ near Kuda Lafari in the Gaafu Alif Atoll, search operations continue to locate three missing men. The vessel, which was transporting construction materials, sank after taking on water in rough seas. While seven crew members were rescued, the captain and two other men—identified as a police sergeant and an MNDF official—remained on board to operate pumps and were lost when the boat tilted and sank. Initial search efforts by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) covered several thousand square nautical miles. As the operation has extended, it has included significant international assistance, such as technical support from a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft, Australian-donated Coast Guard assets, and Maldivian military aircraft and TB2 drones equipped with infrared sensors. Despite these extensive efforts, authorities have reported no signs of the three missing individuals. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-16: Maldives authorities conduct search for missing persons after boat capsizes The Maldives is conducting search operations for three missing persons following a boat capsizing, while also strengthening vaccine supplies with India's Serum Institute and managing recent drug seizures. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maldives-search-for-three-missing-after-friend-4-boat-sinks ### 2026-08-09: Maldives seeks foreign aid to find three missing after vessel sinking Maldives authorities are seeking foreign aid to find three men, including a captain and two officers, missing after the supply vessel Friend 4 sank in deep waters. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maldives-seeks-foreign-aid-to-find-three-missing-after-vessel-sinking --- Cite as: Maldives search for missing crew after vessel sinking. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/maldives-search-for-missing-crew-after-vessel-sinking