Two Lakshadweep Police personnel are missing after their patrol boat met with an accident during an official sortie near Suheli, an uninhabited island in the Union Territory, officials said on Wednesday.
Incident and immediate response
The mishap occurred at about 10 am on Tuesday when the boat, carrying three police personnel, was caught in heavy seas and what officers described as a sea whirlpool. Two constables, Nabeel K M, 34, a native of Kavaratti, and Hidayathulla K C, 49, from Andrott, have been reported missing. The third occupant, Umar Farooq of Amini Island, survived by swimming to safety and alerted senior police officials in Kavaratti, the police said.
Search-and-rescue operation
Police said a large-scale search operation is under way. A helicopter has been pressed into service and three boats run by local fishermen from Kavaratti have also proceeded to the Suheli area to assist the search. The Superintendent of Police, Union Territory of Lakshadweep, has issued an urgent notice requesting assistance from multiple agencies.
- Assets deployed: One helicopter, at least three fishing boats, local police search teams.
- Requested assistance: Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, state police forces of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, fishermen and members of the public.
- Pertinent locations: Suheli (uninhabited island), Kavaratti, Andrott, Amini Island.
Appeal to agencies and public
In the notice, the police urged the Coast Guard and Navy to join the effort and asked police authorities in neighbouring coastal states to be vigilant for any information that could help trace the missing personnel. Members of the public and fishermen have been asked to report any sightings or debris that could be connected to the accident, police added.
Context and hazards at sea
The Lakshadweep archipelago is navigationally challenging, with many uninhabited islets and shallow reefs. Sudden squalls, strong currents and localized whirlpools can create dangerous conditions for small craft. Patrols in the area form part of routine security and law-and-order duties for the Union Territory police, who also conduct fisheries regulation and search-and-rescue support.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Time of accident | About 10 am, Tuesday |
| Missing personnel | Nabeel K M (34, Kavaratti), Hidayathulla K C (49, Andrott) |
| Survivor | Umar Farooq (Amini Island) |
| Search assets | Helicopter, local fishing boats, police teams |
Official statements and next steps
Officials confirmed the survivor reached Kavaratti and informed senior police personnel about the incident. The Superintendent of Police has coordinated the urgent appeal to the Indian Coast Guard and Navy for additional search support, according to police communications reported by PTI. Authorities did not release further operational details or an estimated time-line for the search.
The police said they are collating all available information on sea conditions at the time of the accident and will continue to update agencies and the public as the operation proceeds.
Advice for seafarers and residents
Police and coastal agencies typically advise small-boat operators to check weather and sea-condition advisories before leaving harbour, to carry lifejackets and communication devices, and to avoid known hazardous zones during rough conditions. Residents and fishermen in Lakshadweep and neighbouring Kerala and Karnataka coasts have been asked to report any relevant sightings immediately to local authorities.
The search remains active and investigations into the exact cause of the accident are ongoing, officials said.
