The Maldives is mourning the loss of Mohamed Shakeel, a distinguished marine researcher who dedicated over four decades to the study of the nation’s fisheries and oceanic resources. Shakeel, who was serving as the Deputy Director General of the Marine Research Institute at the time of his passing, died today at the age of 64.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed profound sorrow over Shakeel’s death, emphasizing the significant void it leaves in the field of marine research. In a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), President Muizzu described Shakeel as a “diligent and courageous person in his work.” He extended his condolences to Shakeel’s family, praying for their patience and for Allah’s eternal blessings and mercy upon Shakeel’s soul.
إِنَّا ِللهِ وَإِنَّآإِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون
މަސްވެރިކަމާއި، ކަނޑުތަކާ ބެހޭ ދިރާސާތައް ކުރެއްވުމުގައި ދައުލަތުގެ ކަމާ ބެހޭ އިދާރާތަކުގައި 40 އަހަރަށް ވުރެ ދިގު މުއްދަތަކަށް ޚިދުމަތް ކުރައްވައިފައިވާ، މުޙައްމަދު ޝަކީލް އަވަހާރަވުމަކީ، އެ ދާއިރާއިން ޤައުމަށް ލިބުނު ފޫނުބެއްދޭނެ… pic.twitter.com/qkM5TRReBi
— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) February 9, 2025
Throughout his extensive career, Shakeel made substantial contributions to marine science in the Maldives. His work encompassed various aspects of fisheries research, including studies on reef resources and sustainable fishing practices. His dedication and expertise have been instrumental in advancing the nation’s understanding and management of its marine ecosystems.
The funeral prayer for Shakeel was held today after the Zuhr prayer at the Aasahara Mosque, where family, friends, and colleagues gathered to pay their final respects. His passing is not only a significant loss to his loved ones but also to the broader scientific community and the nation as a whole.
As the Maldives reflects on Shakeel’s enduring legacy, his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of marine researchers committed to the sustainable stewardship of the country’s rich oceanic resources.
