Three Maldives Police Service officers have been awarded the Gold Medal for Saving Lives in recognition of their courageous efforts to rescue passengers who fell into the sea after a landing craft, Hawks Voyage, encountered an accident near Gaafaru in Kaafu Atoll.

The medals were presented by Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed at a special ceremony held today at the Shaheed Hussain Adam Building, the Police Headquarters.

The recipients are Senior Sergeant Ahmed Aamir (Service No. 2245), Constable Mohamed Lahfan (Service No. 6279), and Constable Ali Zidan (Service No. 5852).

The incident occurred at approximately 8:50 a.m. on July 31, 2026, when the Hawks Voyage landing craft ran into trouble near Gaafaru, leaving 10 people stranded in the sea. Through their courageous and high-risk rescue efforts in rough waters, the officers helped save the lives of eight people.

Speaking at the medal presentation ceremony, Commissioner Ahmed Mohamed highlighted the courage and dedication police officers demonstrate in life-threatening situations. He praised and thanked the officers for their bravery and stressed the importance of teamwork and maintaining operational readiness when responding to major emergencies.

The Commissioner also reaffirmed the Maldives Police Service’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring public safety, noting that recognising officers who demonstrate exceptional courage and dedication in carrying out their national duty remains an important institutional priority.