Warrant Officer 2 Ali Hamid, a veteran of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), died on Tuesday morning after a military landing craft capsized in the Kaashidhoo Kandu channel.

Hamid, who had served the MNDF with honour and distinction for 27 years, was on active duty at the time. His body was recovered following an extensive search operation and transported to Naifaru Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to the MNDF, six individuals boarded the LC 308 landing craft from Civic in Malé, bound for Lhaviyani Atoll. The passengers included two Maldivian military personnel, one Maldivian civilian, and three foreign nationals.

The vessel overturned at approximately 10:30 a.m., prompting the immediate deployment of MNDF aerial and maritime response teams. Divers from the MNDF Northern Area Command, Coast Guard First Squadron, located the vessel and retrieved five individuals, who were then transferred to Lhaviyani Atoll Hospital for emergency medical treatment.

One of the two individuals initially reported missing was later recovered and identified as Warrant Officer Hamid. One person, a foreign national, remains missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with MNDF personnel continuing efforts to locate the remaining individual.

In a statement issued today, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu expressed condolences over the passing of Hamid. The President extended his sympathies to the bereaved family and the MNDF, acknowledging the officer’s decades-long record of service to the nation. He also offered prayers for the peace of the departed soul and strength for the grieving family.

Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the cause of the incident. Investigations are currently underway.