Maldives authorities carried out a high-risk search on Friday to recover the bodies of four Italian divers who died in a diving accident in a deep underwater cave the day before. The body of a fifth diver was recovered on Thursday, according to local authorities.
Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the group “apparently died while attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 meters” in the Vaavu Atoll on Thursday, while the cause of the deaths remains under investigation.
Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reported in a statement that among the deceased were Monica Montefalcone, associate professor of Ecology at the University of Genoa, and her daughter Giorgia. The other deceased were marine biologist Federico Gualtieri, researcher Muriel Oddenino, and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti.
The Maldivian presidential spokesperson stated that the cave is “so deep” that divers avoid approaching it
According to Maldives presidential spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef, it is believed that the five divers were exploring the cave when they disappeared. “The cave is so deep that even divers with the best equipment do not attempt to approach,” he said. Maldives authorities launched a major search operation, deploying boats, aircraft, and diving teams in the area.
Rescuers recovered one body about 60 meters below the surface on Thursday, while the other four divers were believed to remain inside the cave. The group had made a morning dive near Alimathaa and was declared missing after not surfacing before noon on Thursday. Weather conditions were described as unfavorable at that time.
Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that about 20 other Italians participating in the same expedition aboard a boat called Duke of York were safe and no injuries had been reported. Italian authorities and the honorary consul remain in contact with the victims’ families to offer assistance.
