Gautam Singhania, chairman of the Raymond Group, sustained injuries and two Indian nationals are missing after a speedboat capsized near Felidhoo island in the Maldives. The incident occurred early Friday morning near Vaavu atoll, according to local media reports.

Details of the Incident

According to the Edition.mv news portal, the vessel carried seven people at the time of the accident, including two women—a British national and a Russian national—and five Indian men. Police confirmed that five individuals fell into the sea when the boat overturned, including the Russian woman and four Indian men. Singhania, 60, was among those on board and was rescued. He sustained minor injuries in the accident, according to Adhadhu news portal, which cited police sources.

Singhania was discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment and has since returned home to Mumbai, where he is recovering under medical care. His team confirmed that he is doing well and has been discharged from the hospital. The Raymond Group Managing Director’s condition has improved significantly, and he is expected to make a full recovery.

Search for the Missing

The Maldivian Coast Guard is currently conducting search operations for the two missing individuals. The vessel involved in the accident was a Cigarette racing boat, known for its high-speed capabilities. The incident occurred approximately two nautical miles southwest of Keyodhoo, according to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

The MNDF’s Male Area Command Coast Guard Second Squadron is leading the search efforts. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of the missing individuals, but police have stated that both are Indian nationals. Search and rescue teams are using boats and drones to cover the area, which is known for its challenging waters and strong currents.

Adhadhu news portal cited sources close to the incident, indicating that the speedboat was part of Singhania’s yacht, TT Ashena. The boat was being used for a private tour, and Singhania was among the passengers. The accident has raised concerns about the safety of high-speed vessels in the region, especially those used for private excursions.

Previous Incidents and Safety Concerns

This is not the first time a speedboat accident has occurred in the Maldives. In 2019, a similar incident resulted in the death of a British tourist and injuries to others. The Maldives has seen a rise in private yacht tours in recent years, which has led to increased scrutiny over safety protocols and emergency response procedures.

Local authorities have been urged to implement stricter regulations on the use of high-speed vessels for private tours. The incident involving Singhania and the missing individuals has once again highlighted the risks associated with such activities. Experts suggest that better safety measures, including mandatory life jackets and emergency training for passengers, could prevent future tragedies.

According to the Maldives National Tourism Authority, the country recorded over 1.2 million tourist visits in 2023, with a significant number of visitors opting for private yacht tours. The popularity of such excursions has grown due to the Maldives’ pristine beaches and luxury resorts, but the risks remain high, particularly for high-speed vessels.

The Maldivian Coast Guard is expected to continue the search for the two missing individuals. The MNDF has not set a specific deadline for the search, but officials have stated that the operation will continue until the individuals are found or their bodies are recovered.

The Raymond Group has not issued a public statement regarding the incident, but Singhania’s team has confirmed his recovery and return to Mumbai. The company is likely to review its safety protocols for future yacht tours, especially those involving high-speed vessels.

Local authorities are also considering new regulations to ensure the safety of tourists and private yacht operators. The Maldives National Defence Force has called for increased cooperation between private tour operators and government agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future.

While Singhania’s injuries are expected to be minor, the incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of maritime safety in the region. The Maldives, known for its beautiful islands and luxury resorts, must balance tourism with the need to protect visitors from preventable accidents.