Authorities in the Maldives have called off the search for Indian rally driver Hari Singh after eight days, with no trace of him found following a speedboat accident earlier this month.

Singh, 59, a five-time Indian National Rally champion, went missing after a speedboat carrying seven people capsized near the Felidhoo islands on the night of March 19, 2026.

Among those on board was industrialist Gautam Singhania, who survived the incident along with several others.

Another passenger, retired Indian Navy commander and noted sailor Mahesh Ramachandran, also remains untraced.

Search and rescue efforts were carried out extensively by Maldivian authorities, with support from Indian agencies.

The operation included aerial surveillance and coordinated sea searches in the area where the boat overturned. Despite these efforts, no breakthrough was achieved.

Officials eventually decided to suspend the operation after eight days, as hopes of locating the missing men diminished.

The accident occurred in waters near the Vaavu Atoll, a region known for coral reefs, which made search operations particularly challenging.

Early reports had suggested the possibility that the missing individuals could be trapped within reef structures.

Singh, often referred to as the “Gypsy King”, was one of India’s most celebrated rally drivers, with multiple titles in the national championship during the 1990s.

The incident has sent shockwaves through India’s motorsport and sailing communities, with tributes pouring in for both Singh and Ramachandran.

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