Maldives: The multi-agency search for veteran Indian rally driver Hari Singh entered its sixth day on Wednesday, with rescue teams widening their operations around Felidhoo Island following a speedboat accident earlier this week.
The 59-year-old motorsport figure went missing after a boat capsized on the night of March 19 in the waters of Vaavu Atoll. Authorities in the Maldives have since expanded the search perimeter, deploying additional resources in a race against time.
Three individuals were rescued shortly after the mishap, including industrialist Gautam Singhania, who later returned to Mumbai. However, Singh and former naval officer Mahesh Ramachandran remain unaccounted for.
Officials familiar with the rescue efforts said the initial response began within minutes of the incident, with survivors located roughly 300 metres away from the capsized vessel. Search coordinators now fear that strong currents may have carried the missing men much farther over the past several days.
SPS Gharcha, president of the Chandigarh Motorsport Association and a long-time associate of Singh, said there has been no breakthrough so far. “Given the time that has passed and the conditions at sea, the situation is becoming increasingly difficult,” he noted.
Search operations have been intensified with the use of drones, coast guard vessels and aerial surveillance. The Indian government has also stepped in, providing a Dornier aircraft and an advanced light helicopter to assist Maldivian authorities. Coordination between the two countries continues, with responsibilities shared across sea and air.
Family members have largely stayed away from public comment, though Singh’s son, who had travelled to assist in the search, is expected to return home soon. Close acquaintances indicated that the family is gradually preparing for the worst, even as efforts to locate him continue.
A memorial prayer gathering is expected to be held later this month in Chandigarh.
Widely known as the “Gypsy King,” Hari Singh rose to prominence in the 1990s with multiple victories in the Indian National Rally Championship, earning a reputation as one of India’s most accomplished rally drivers.
Despite mounting challenges, authorities have confirmed that search efforts will continue in the coming days, keeping hope alive for any possible breakthrough.
