dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives honours Smart Own crew who rescued 8 seafarers
dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives has recognised three members of the Smart Own team for their exceptional courage, determination and resilience during a dramatic rescue operation at sea on 31 July 2026, which resulted in eight seafarers being brought safely to shore.
Captain Mumin, Captain Ifhaam and Senior Operations Coordinator Suhail were welcomed to the resort and presented with certificates of appreciation by General Manager Yogeswaran Veerasamy and Resort Manager Chanisa Bunsuwan, together with a small gesture of gratitude from the dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives team.
The recognition followed a serious maritime incident near Gaafaru, Maldives, when a supply vessel encountered an emergency at sea.
Following a distress call, KV2, operated by Smart Own, responded to the suspected location. Despite challenging weather and difficult sea conditions, the crew continued searching across a wide area of open ocean for several hours.
Their persistence eventually led them to the wreckage of the capsized vessel. Drawing on their experience, knowledge of the sea and composure under pressure, they continued searching the surrounding waters and successfully located eight seafarers who had been drifting in the open ocean.
Their efforts ultimately helped bring all eight safely back to shore.
The incident later took a tragic turn following the subsequent capsizing and sinking of the vessel. The vessel’s captain, one Maldives National Defence Force officer and one Maldives Police Service officer remain missing, with search and rescue efforts continuing.
Speaking during the recognition, Yogeswaran Veerasamy, General Manager of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, said: “Courage is often revealed in moments when there is no time to think about recognition or reward, only the need to help another human being. What Captain Mumin, Captain Ifhaam and Suhail demonstrated that day was extraordinary courage, determination and humanity. Eight people are alive today because they continued searching and refused to give up. It is a privilege for us to recognise them and express our gratitude on behalf of the entire dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives team.”
The recognition reflects dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives’ commitment to celebrating individuals whose actions demonstrate compassion, resilience, teamwork and responsibility towards the wider community.
While honouring the extraordinary efforts of the Smart Own crew, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives also extends its deepest thoughts and sympathies to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the three individuals who remain missing.
The resort also recognises the continued efforts of the Maldives National Defence Force, Maldives Police Service and all those involved in the ongoing search operation.
The actions of Captain Mumin, Captain Ifhaam and Senior Operations Coordinator Suhail serve as a powerful reminder of the courage found within the Maldives’ maritime community and of the difference that determination, teamwork and humanity can make in moments of crisis.
Eight lives saved. One extraordinary act of courage.
dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives extends its deepest respect and gratitude to Captain Mumin, Captain Ifhaam, Senior Operations Coordinator Suhail and the entire Smart Own team for their bravery and dedication during this extraordinary rescue effort.
