Maldives: Search continues for 2 Indians, Gautam Singhania recovering

In the early hours of March 20, 2026, a high-speed speedboat capsized in the waters of Vaavu Atoll, Maldives, near Felidhoo (also referred to as Fulidhoo or Keyodhoo area, approximately two nautical miles southwest of Keyodhoo. The incident has left the Indian business and motorsport communities in shock, with two prominent Indians still missing days later.

Two fellow Indian passengers, five-time national rally champion Hari Singh and decorated sailor Commander Mahesh Ramachandran, remain missing after the vessel overturned near Felidhoo island in the Vaavu Atoll.

At the centre of the story is Gautam Hari Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director of the Raymond Group, who was on board, sustained minor injuries and has since flown back to Mumbai. Local Maldivian authorities and media have confirmed that seven people were aboard the vessel, including Singhania, one British woman, and one Russian woman. Five passengers were thrown into the sea. Search and rescue operations by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Coast Guard continue, involving boats, drones, and underwater searches across thousands of square nautical miles. As of March 23, 2026, no trace of the missing has been officially confirmed recovered, though some unverified reports in niche circles have circulated fears that one or both may not have survived.

As per the available information, the vessel was a Cigarette racing boat, a high-performance speedboat designed for extreme velocities, serving as a tender to Singhania’s luxury superyacht, TT Ashena (a 46-metre vessel).

Reliable sources told the prominent Maldivian news portal Adhadhu that Singhania himself was driving the boat at the time of the capsize around 1:15 am local time. The President of the Vaavu Atoll Council, Shujau Ali, corroborated this based on information gathered from survivors and authorities: records reviewed showed the vessel had reached speeds of up to 72 miles per hour (approximately 116 km/h). The boat was reportedly being used to ferry passengers, possibly back to the yacht after a late-night outing.

According to sailing experts, the high speed of a Cigarette boat in potentially choppy night waters is widely seen as a contributing factor. Rumours of alcohol or recklessness have circulated on social media but remain entirely unverified and unmentioned in any official or mainstream reporting.

Two Legends of Indian Motorsport and Sailing. The two individuals still unaccounted for are: Hari Singh (59), India’s “Gypsy King” and one of the most decorated rally drivers in the country. A five-time Indian National Rally Champion and the first Indian to win the Asia Zone Rally Championship, Singh was a mentor at JK Tyre Motorsport. He was known for his humility, smooth driving style, and decades of contributions to Indian motorsport.

Commander Mahesh Ramachandran is an Arjuna Award-winning sailor, former naval aviator, Asian Games medallist, and legendary figure in Indian sailing. He served as the captain (skipper) of Singhania’s yacht TTAshena. His expertise in both naval aviation and competitive sailing made him a respected leader in India’s maritime and sailing community.

Police have confirmed that both missing persons are Indian nationals. The sailing and motorsport fraternities in India have expressed profound shock and are holding out hope, with figures like sailor Abhilash Tomy publicly urging continued rescue efforts.

Sixty-year-old Singhania has suffered minor injuries, including six wounds to his face and hands and was treated at a local atoll hospital before being discharged. He returned to Mumbai and is recovering under medical care, according to a statement from the Raymond Group: “Gautama Singhania suffered minor injuries following an unfortunate accident. He is recovering under due care in Mumbai. We thank you for the wishes and pray for the well-being of the affected friends.” Other passengers also sustained injuries of varying degrees. Reports indicate one Indian national suffered severe trauma, including the loss of an arm, and was flown to India for urgent treatment.

Three people in total were injured beyond Singhania. Here lies the core of public controversy and the reason behind claims that Singhania “ran away.” Local media (including Adhadhu) have explicitly noted that, despite the ongoing police investigation, Singhania left the Maldives.

His yacht’s departure has been tracked publicly, and some injured parties were also flown out. Adhadhu’s social media posts have highlighted public criticism over these “early departures” while searches continue and the probe remains active.

No reports indicate Singhania was detained, required to stay, or formally charged; as a foreign tourist with only minor injuries, he appears to have been permitted to leave after initial treatment and any preliminary statements. Social media has been vocal, with some users accusing Singhania of abandoning the scene or evading responsibility.

Phrases like “fled after killing two people” or “left no man behind” have trended in Indian motorsport circles.