Diving robot assists search for missing teens

The military has expanded the search area for two teenage boys from Addu City who have been missing since Saturday morning.

The Maldives National Defense Force told state media that diving robots were used during the search operation Monday night.

MNDF also increased the number of soldiers involved in the search as its helicopter continues to search the surface area of the seas around Hithadhoo island.

As well as divers from the police and MNDF, divers from the public have also been helping with the search. According to MNDF, 370 meters around the area and a depth of 40 meters have been searched.

On Monday, a police team in the search operation found a pair of shorts belonging to one of the boys.

The missing boys – Ali Fahmy, 17 and Mayameen Ali, 14 – were out swimming when they were caught in strong currents in the sea near the regional hospital.

The search continued Tuesday morning.

Photos by MNDF and police