Navy rescues missing Maldivian vessel

"Rankuri -- a 95-feet-long Maldivian mechanical boat, with four personnel on board, reported missing at sea off the Southern coast of Maldives since September 17 was rescued by Indian Navy warship INS Shardul yesterday," the Navy said in a release.

It said INS Shardul was launched to locate the missing vessel on September 19 after a request from Maldivian authorities. The Indian Navy ship is deployed close to Maldives to provide EEZ surveillance off Maldives.

"The missing boat 'Rankuri' estimated to be around 200 nautical miles south of Male, was located after an intensive search operation using the ship's helicopter. The boat's safe return to Maldives was ensured by providing the boat with necessary technical assistance," the Navy said.

India has deployed its helicopters and warships to provide protection to the maritime traffic near Maldives and Maldivian Armed Forces personnel are also embarked on these vessels during the patrols.