2026 Maldives speedboat capsizing

On the night of 19–20 March 2026, a speedboat carrying seven people capsized near Felidhoo in Vaavu Atoll, the Maldives, about two nautical miles south-west of Keyodhoo. The boat was a tender to the yacht Ashena, owned by Raymond Group chairman Gautam Singhania, who was aboard and survived. The Indian rally driver Hari Singh died, and the yacht's captain, the sailor Mahesh Ramchandran, was not found.

Capsizing

The speedboat, built by the American manufacturer Cigarette Racing, was travelling at high speed when it overturned late on the night of 19 March 2026. Seven people were aboard: five Indian men, a woman from the United Kingdom and a Russian woman. Singhania was injured and was discharged after treatment. He and a British national later left the Maldives for further medical care.

Search and casualties

The Maldives National Defence Force searched for two missing Indian nationals. The body of Hari Singh, a 59-year-old rally driver, was recovered on 22 March from a coral reef near Vaavu Atoll.

Mahesh Ramchandran, a retired Indian Navy commander and Arjuna Award recipient who had won sailing medals at the 2002 and 2006 Asian Games, was captain of Ashena. The search for him was suspended on 28 March 2026. The retired naval commander Abhilash Tomy said of him, "He was a great competitor and sailor. He was at his peak when I started sailing, so I was able to get a glimpse of him at his best."

Investigation

Maldives Police said that Singhania had been operating the vessel at the time of the incident, and that their investigation was continuing. No charges have been reported.