Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Coast Guard are searching for a cargo boat reported missing after departing from Male’ City to V. Atoll.

MNDF identified the missing boat as ‘Sawaaree’. 

It was reported missing to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center on Thursday morning.

According to MNDF, the boat’s last known location was pinned to the east of K. Atoll at 09:07 am Thursday, before it went dark.

'Sawaaree' last known location. (Photo/Follow Me Tracker)

The number of people onboard are unclear at this point.

The disappearance of the cargo boat comes amid a yellow alert for torrential rain and thunderstorms in a large part of central and southern Maldives.