A 48-year-old Maldivian man who went missing after diving into the sea near Hulhulé was found dead following a search operation on Thursday night.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) said the man had entered the water from an oil barge anchored in the lagoon north of the Hulhulé seaplane terminal after sunset. He was reported missing shortly after entering the sea.

His body was recovered from underwater in the Hulhumalé lagoon area.

The deceased was identified as Ibrahim Shakir, 48, from Kaafu Guraidhoo.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed. The search and recovery operation involved MNDF personnel, Maldives Police Service officers and the airport rescue team.