A 15-year-old boy who was reported missing after snorkeling near Adh. Maamigili has tragically been found dead, authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred earlier this afternoon, when four children went snorkeling in the area hunting for octopus, a local confirmed to Voice.

The Maldives Police Service said they received the report around 7:00 PM, after one of the children failed to return.

A joint search operation was promptly launched by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) in collaboration with the police. 

The missing boy was discovered later tonight, 15 meters deep in the ocean near the harbor area, and was immediately rushed to the Maamigili Health Centre, where he was declared dead upon arrival by the medical staff.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.