President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that the death of a serviceman while searching for missing divers is a tragedy deeply felt by every Maldivian citizen.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) confirmed that Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee died after becoming critically ill while diving during a search and rescue operation launched to find four missing divers in Vaavu Atoll. Following news of his death, condolences and messages of sympathy have been shared widely by various individuals and organisations.
In a post shared on social media, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated that the death of a officer from the MNDF while searching for the missing tourists was an immense tragedy for him personally and for all Maldivians. He added that the news was deeply distressing and heartbreaking.
The President offered prayers for patience and strength to the deceased’s family and extended condolences to both the family and the MNDF. He also prayed that the late Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee, described as a courageous MNDF diver who died suddenly while carrying out his official duties would be granted the status of a martyr and be blessed with Allah’s mercy and the eternal blessings of paradise.
Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef also shared a post on social media expressing profound sorrow over Mahudhee’s death. He extended sincere condolences to the family and prayed for them to be granted patience and strength, while asking Allah to grant the deceased a place in Jannatul Firdaus.
Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla likewise conveyed condolences to the family of Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee. In his message, he said he received the news of Mahudhee’s death with great sadness, adding that the nation had lost a valued serviceman who dedicated himself honourably to serving the Maldives.
Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee died while receiving treatment at ADK Hospital after falling critically ill during an MNDF-led search operation for four missing divers in Vaavu Atoll. The MNDF Coast Guard’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received reports at around 1:45 pm on the 14th of this month that five divers from Italy had gone missing while diving in the atoll. Following the report, the MNDF launched search efforts by sea and air.
Those reported missing included an Italian diving instructor and four divers who had travelled to the atoll for a diving excursion. So far, the body of the diving instructor has been recovered. In connection with the incident, the Ministry of Tourism has suspended the operating licence of the vessel used for the diving trip.