Authorities have launched a search operation for a 75-year-old Maldivian man who went missing after travelling in a dinghy to a sandbank in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.

According to the Maldives Police Service, the man departed from GDh. Gaddhoo to Gdh. Gan at around 9:30am on Thursday. He was later reported missing that afternoon after he failed to return as expected.

Initial investigations indicate that the man departed Gan at approximately 11:15am. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt and black shorts.

Police said the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard is actively searching the surrounding area, including Gan and nearby sandbanks, in an effort to locate him.

No further updates were available at the time of publication.