Fuvahmulah honours missing diver Mohamed Saeed for contributions to local tourism

The Fuvahmulah Tourism Awards 2024, held Friday night, recognised individuals and businesses for their outstanding contributions to the local tourism industry. Among the honourees was Mohamed Saeed, a renowned diver who tragically went missing in May 2022 while diving at a dive site.

Saeed, a father of three, was posthumously awarded for his impact on the tourism sector in Fuvahmulah. His daughter accepted the award on his behalf during the ceremony. In May 2022, Saeed went missing during a dive, prompting an extensive week-long search by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), which covered large areas by both sea and air. Although his fishing gear was discovered at a depth of 59 metres, Saeed’s body was never recovered.

The awards ceremony was organised to mark the 10th anniversary of tourism in Fuvahmulah, celebrating the growth of the industry and honouring those who have played a pivotal role in its development. Saeed’s recognition underscores the importance of diving to the region’s tourism industry and the contributions of individuals like him in promoting Fuvahmulah as a world-class dive destination.

The Fuvahmulah Tourism Awards also recognised guesthouse owners, dive centre operators, and other individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the island’s tourism sector. Additionally, winners of the underwater photography competition were awarded for their remarkable work in capturing the beauty of Fuvahmulah’s marine life.

The event was attended by several high-profile figures, including Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal, Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar, and Male City Mayor Adam Azim, along with other notable guests.

As Fuvahmulah continues to develop as a key tourism hub, the awards highlight the dedication of those who have helped shape the island’s tourism landscape and support its growing reputation as a premier destination for diving and adventure tourism.