In a successful inaugural mission, the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) deployed a military UAV (drone) to locate a missing fishing boat, 'Farihi 2', which had set sail from Meemu atoll Maduvvari with three people on board.

The vessel was found just outside Meemu atoll Raiymandhoo, with all crew members reported safe and in good health.

Collaborative search efforts involving the MNDF Air Corps and Coast Guard patrolling vessels led to the successful rescue operation.

The military drone, employed for the first time in a search and rescue mission, played a crucial role in locating the vessel, which had encountered engine trouble.

The fishing boat had been reported missing on Friday at 10:00 PM, prompting immediate search operations by the MNDF.

Over 400 nautical miles were covered in the search effort, with the drone proving instrumental in locating the vessel.

While details of two of the crew members—a 45-year-old and a 25-year-old—are known, information regarding the third person remains undisclosed.

The trio, hailing from Kaafu atoll Maafushi, had embarked on a fishing expedition from Maduvvari.

The successful outcome of this mission highlights the effectiveness of utilizing advanced technology in maritime search and rescue operations. As the first of its kind, the deployment of the military drone marks a significant milestone for MNDF Air Corp’s capabilities in safeguarding maritime safety and security.