Maldives speedboat tragedy: Missing Indian Rally star Hari Singh feared dead as search enters day 3

The search for legendary Indian rally driver Hari Singh has entered a critical and grim phase. It has now been over 48 hours since the 59-year-old champion went missing after a high-speed boat capsized in the Maldives, and local authorities are reportedly "not ruling out the possibility of death."

While industrialist Gautam Singhania was rescued and has since returned to Mumbai, Hari Singh remains untraceable, with experts suggesting he may be trapped deep within a coral reef.

The accident occurred on Friday morning near Felidhoo Island in the Vaavu Atoll. Despite an intensive search operation led by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard, there has been no sign of Singh or the boat’s captain.

"Authorities in Maldives have informed that Hari Singh and the captain are believed to be trapped deep within a coral reef in the sea. Search teams are now going down to check, but they are not ruling out the possibility of their death," a source told PTI.

Singh’s son, Mivaan Singh, who flew to the Maldives immediately after the news broke, is reportedly returning to India to support his mother and sister. Close friends Daman and Jagwant remain on the island to continue coordinating with the MNDF.

Key details of the Maldives speedboat crash

The accident involved a high-performance speedboat, reportedly linked to Gautam Singhania’s yacht. At the time of the capsize, seven people were on board: five Indian men (including Singh and Singhania) and two women from the UK and Russia.

In the immediate aftermath of the boat overturning, five people were successfully pulled from the water. While Gautam Singhania sustained only minor injuries, the situation for the remaining two is dire. Hari Singh and the Maldivian boat captain remain the only two passengers unaccounted for as the search passes the 48-hour mark.

The legacy of a champion

Hari Singh is more than just a driver; he is a pillar of Indian motorsport. His legendary career and contributions include:

• Five-time Indian National Rally Champion: Dominating the circuit throughout the 1990s.
• Asia Zone Rally Champion: Winner of the inaugural edition of the prestigious championship.
• Head of Operations at JK Tyre Motorsport: A visionary leader who dedicated his later years to mentoring the next generation of Indian racers.