Public donations are being sought to build a mosque in Bangladesh in memory of the MNDF officer who went missing while attempting to rescue a supply boat that sank in Huvadhoo Sea.

LockerZ, a community service group based in Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo, announced in a social media post yesterday that the mosque would be built in memory of MNDF officer Ibrahim Ahmed to honor his memory and benefit future generations.

The group is seeking public donations to build a mosque with a capacity of 120 worshippers. The project is estimated to cost MVR 300,000.

LockerZ organizes various community activities in Thinadhoo, particularly futsal tournaments. Ibrahim, who was stationed in the island, had participated in tournaments organized by the group and won the best player award.

The supply boat was carrying eight people, including its captain, Mohamed Hamdhoon, and seven expatriates, when it sank on August 5. Everyone on board survived except Hamdhoon, who had gone missing as well. Ibrahim and police officer Ali Nafiu went missing while attempting to bail water out of the vessel.

A US Navy helicopter was deployed to assist in the search for the three missing men.

The area where the boat sank is believed to be more than 1,600 metres deep, beyond the depth at which divers can go. MNDF also said the depth was beyond the operational limits of conventional and nuclear submarines used by foreign navies.

“Therefore, based on the work carried out so far and the information received from survivors, it is unlikely that the missing persons will be found at sea,” MNDF said.

Mihaaru News, citing a source, reported that the three men went missing while attempting to bail water out of the boat, which was sinking rapidly.

Video footage of the incident that later emerged showed the vessel taking on water, with one end becoming submerged. Moments later, the entire boat sank as rescue efforts continued, with another vessel nearby.