The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard responded to seven maritime incidents on Thursday as rough seas and strong winds from the southwest monsoon disrupted travel across the country.

The first report came at 9:30 a.m., when a 75-year-old man departed GDh. Gadhdhoo for GDh. Gan in a dinghy. He was later reported missing, and search efforts are ongoing, led by the MNDF Southern Area Command and the Coast Guard Boat Squadron. He was last seen departing Gan at 11:15 a.m.

At 11:52 a.m., 12 people aboard the cargo vessel Ocean Express, travelling towards Laamu Atoll, were brought safely to Malé after the boat became stranded near Rihiveli Maldives Resort. They were rescued by Olhuveli Beach Resort’s launch and Coast Guard Harbourcraft 113.

In a separate incident, a dhoni carrying seven people who had gone fishing near Meemu Atoll was reported missing. The vessel has yet to be found, and search efforts are being carried out by the MNDF Coast Guard.

In the afternoon, a 35-year-old resort staff member went missing after setting out in a canoe from a resort in Raa Atoll. He was later found safe, after swimming back to shore, on R. Dhuvaafaru.

Also in the afternoon, a boat carrying four people experienced engine failure near Alifu Atoll. The vessel was last reported being towed to Malé by another boat.

Later in the day, a safari boat carrying 22 guests and 15 crew members began drifting near B. Dharavandhoo. Assistance was provided by the Maldives Police Service, and the vessel safely entered Dharavandhoo harbour at 10:23 p.m.

Shortly after midnight, four people were rescued from a launch that had run aground near K. Girifushi. They were transported to K. Hinmafushi by the Coast Guard Second Squadron.

The MNDF has urged seafarers to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during the current monsoon period.