The Maldives Police Service has confirmed that the body of 79-year-old Zakariyya Mohamed, who was reported missing at sea on Thursday, has been found deceased near Gaafu Dhaalu Gan.

His body was recovered at approximately 11:43 a.m. on Sunday.

The confirmation follows days of extensive search efforts led by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service, with support from local authorities and residents.

On Saturday morning, authorities located Zakariyya’s dinghy submerged 10 meters deep between Gaafu Dhaalu Gadhdhoo and Gan. The discovery was made during a joint dive operation conducted by MNDF and police. 

Zakariyya had departed from Gadhdhoo to Gan at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday and was later seen leaving Gan at 11:15 a.m. to return. When he failed to arrive and could not be contacted, the incident was reported to police that afternoon. The search also included surrounding uninhabited islands.

The search operation involved MNDF Southern Area Command, Coast Guard Fourth Squadron, Gadhdhoo Police Station, local fishermen, and the Gadhdhoo Council.