Five Italian divers die while exploring underwater cave in Maldives’ Vaavu Atoll

Five Italian nationals died during a scuba diving expedition in the Maldives after they reportedly entered an underwater cave in Vaavu Atoll at a depth of around 50 metres. According to authorities, the divers failed to resurface after entering the water on Thursday morning. Maldivian military officials stated that one body was recovered from a cave approximately 60 metres underwater, while the remaining four divers were believed to still be inside the cave system. Search operations involving specially equipped divers are continuing amid difficult conditions.

The victims included University of Genoa ecology professor Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, research fellow Muriel Oddenino, marine biology graduate Federico Gualtieri, and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti. Officials stated that the five divers were part of a University of Genoa group travelling aboard the yacht Duke of York. Another 20 Italian nationals on the vessel were reported safe and are receiving assistance from Italian diplomatic authorities. The yacht remains at sea while awaiting improved weather conditions before returning to Male.

According to initial findings shared by Italian authorities, the underwater cave explored by the divers contains three large chambers connected by narrow passages. Coast Guard divers conducted additional underwater searches and explored two of the three chambers during follow-up rescue operations. Another dive operation has been scheduled to examine the remaining section of the cave. Authorities stated that weather conditions in the area were rough, with strong currents reported around 100 kilometres south of Male at the time of the incident. Dive experts also indicated that oxygen toxicity at extreme depths may have been a possible factor under investigation.