A man has drowned after being caught in a riptide near Villingilli island of Gaafu Alifu atoll on Wednesday.

The man, police Constable Mohamed Haneef, was with his wife in an uninhabited island near Villingilli island, where both are reported to have disappeared after being caught in a rip current.

According to the police media officer, Haneef, 32, was found underwater, and pronounced dead on arrival at Villingilli Hospital. He was from Kaashidhoo island in Kaafu atoll.

Police further said that the woman was in stable condition; she has been released after being treated at Villingilli Hospital.

President of the Gaafu Alifu atoll council, Ahmed Fuad informed that a search for the two began at around 10:30 am on Wednesday, after disappearing into sea. Police said the incident was reported to them at around 11:25 am.

In addition, an officer who was helping in the rescue mission, was involved in a serious accident; he is to be brought to the capital Malé City for further treatment.