A boat carrying seven people has been reported missing as the Maldives faces a spike in maritime emergencies due to rough sea conditions. The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard confirmed that search efforts are ongoing, with no contact established with the missing vessel yet.

There has been seven separate sea-related incidents reported to the Coast Guard between noon and 10:30 p.m. on July 10. Authorities attribute the surge in emergencies to adverse weather conditions affecting various regions of the country.

In another case, a dinghy carrying an individual from Gaafu Dhaalu Gadhdhoo was also reported missing. The MNDF Southern Area Command is leading the search operation for the passenger. Separately, a man who went missing while canoeing from a resort in North Malé Atoll was safely rescued and taken to Dhiffushi Island.

A vessel carrying four people experienced engine failure near Ari Atoll and was later towed to safety by a passing boat. A safari boat near Baa Atoll, transporting 22 guests and 15 crew, was also affected by the conditions but reached Dharavandhoo safely with assistance from the Maldives Police Service.

In a separate incident, a boat with four passengers capsized near Girifinolhu in Malé Atoll. The MNDF rescued all four individuals and transported them to Himmafushi shortly after midnight.

The MNDF also responded to a capsized cargo boat, Ocean Express, which was en route to Hithadhoo. The vessel was carrying eight Maldivians and four foreign nationals. All 12 individuals were safely rescued and brought to Malé by a Coast Guard harbourcraft and a resort launch.

Authorities have warned that sea conditions are likely to remain dangerous over the coming days due to a developing cyclonic system in the western region. The Coast Guard has urged the public to avoid non-essential travel by sea and to closely monitor weather updates.