Search for missing Addu teen continues despite bad weather conditions

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) says that it is continuing the operation to find a teen from Addu City, who went missing at sea on Thursday night, despite facing setbacks due to bad weather conditions.

Mohamed Naeesh Nasr, 18, was reported missing to the authorities at 10:45 pm on Thursday, after he ventured into the waters off Gan with two of his friends to catch shrimp.

A spokesperson from the MNDF told Sun on Saturday morning that the bad weather affecting the Maldives has resulted in low visibility, posing a challenge to the search and rescue operation.

But despite the challenges, the MNDF continues to search for the missing teen.

According to the latest updates shared by the MNDF on Friday night, the Coast Guard Fourth Squadron has searched 23.46 square nautical miles via air, and 490 square nautical miles via sea.

Three fishing boats from Maradhoo – the district to which Naeesh belongs – have also joined in the operation, and an aircraft from Maldivian’s Aviation Academy has also been mobilized to assist in the efforts.

However, authorities have yet to find any sign of Naeesh.

His family told Sun on Friday that Naeesh’s mask and flashlight have also not been found.

His family described Naeesh as a strong swimmer. According to them, Naeesh usually goes swimming in the morning, but decided to go Thursday night because he was supposed to travel to Male’ with his family, the next day.

The 12th grader was described by his family as “soft spoken and obedient”. He is the eldest of two siblings. He has a younger sister.