A high-speed boat दुर्घटना in the Maldives has left two Indian nationals missing, including prominent figures from motorsport and sailing, while industrialist Gautam Singhania has returned safely to India. The incident has triggered an extensive search operation and raised concern across sporting and maritime circles.
The accident occurred late Thursday night near the Vaavu atoll, close to Felidhoo island, when a speedboat carrying seven people overturned while travelling at high speed. The vessel capsized about two nautical miles southwest of Keyodhoo, throwing several passengers into the sea. Among those on board were five Indian men, a British woman, and a Russian woman. While five individuals were rescued, two Indian nationals remain missing.
One of the missing is Hari Singh, a highly respected figure in Indian motorsport and the first Indian to win the Asia Zone Rally Championship, as well as a five-time national champion. The second missing individual is Mahesh Ramachandran, a former naval aviator and Arjuna Award-winning sailor who was serving as the captain of Singhania’s luxury yacht.
Singhania, who was among the passengers, sustained minor injuries and has since returned to Mumbai for treatment. His office confirmed that he is recovering and expressed gratitude for the support received. The speedboat involved in the accident was reportedly being used to transport passengers to his yacht, Ashena.
All seven passengers suffered injuries of varying severity. While some were treated locally in the Maldives, others have been transferred to India for further medical care. Reports indicate that one Indian national with critical injuries, including the loss of an arm, has been evacuated for advanced treatment.
Search and rescue efforts are being led by the Maldives National Defence Force, with operations covering large sea areas as well as underwater zones. Authorities have deployed divers and scanned extensive stretches of ocean, but so far, there has been no trace of the missing individuals.
The disappearance of Hari Singh has particularly shaken the motorsport community, where he is remembered not only for his achievements but also for mentoring young drivers. As the search continues, concern is mounting, with both the sporting fraternity and maritime officials closely awaiting any breakthrough in the operation.
