Dive belt found from area diver went missing

A dive belt has been found from the area where a local man went missing diving off the coast of Fuvahmulah City on Monday.

According to Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), the belt was found 68 meters under the sea, amidst the ongoing operation to find the missing man.

MNDF detailed that four dives have been completed as part of the operation. 

Additionally, a tool used for fishing, which is believed to be used by Saeed was retrieved on Tuesday. 

Saeed ventured into the waters at Fuvahmulah ‘Tiger Shark’ dive point at approximately 14:30 pm on Monday afternoon. At that time, he was wearing a black diving suit, black fins, and a black mask – also was reportedly carrying a yellow-orange balloon with him, as per Coastguard.

He was reported missing to MNDF’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at around 15:36 pm on Monday afternoon. 

MNDF has requested vessels traveling through the area to be on the lookout for Saeed – instructing anyone with information regarding Saeed’s whereabouts to contact Coastguard’s hotline number at 191 without delay.