Five Italians have died in a scuba diving accident in the Maldives, the foreign ministry in Rome has said. It is believed they perished while exploring caves at a depth of 50 meters (164ft) in Vaavu Atoll. Four of the victims were part of a team from the University of Genoa, including ecology professor Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia, along with two researchers, Muriel Oddenino and marine biology graduate Federico Gualtieri. The Maldives' military reported one body had been discovered in a cave around 60m below the surface, with the other four divers presumed to be nearby. Special equipment was deployed for the search, described as highly hazardous. The Italian foreign ministry confirmed they are collaborating with Maldivian authorities for the recovery effort. Notably, 20 additional Italian nationals aboard the "Duke of York" yacht from which the divers departed are safe and receiving assistance from the Embassy of Italy in Colombo. The yacht remains docked, awaiting improved weather for a return to Male.
The incident is considered one of the worst diving accidents in Maldivian history, a destination known for its stunning coral islands. The group began diving on Thursday and was reported missing by the vessel crew when they failed to resurface. Rough conditions were noted about 100km (62 miles) south of Male, prompting a yellow warning for boats and fisherman. The University of Genoa named the victims, expressing profound condolences. Initial investigations suggest possible oxygen toxicity and adverse weather conditions may have contributed to the tragedy, as ocean currents significantly differ from those in the Mediterranean.
Diving and snorkeling incidents are infrequent in the Maldives, though recent fatalities have been recorded. Weather conditions and potential equipment malfunction are being examined further as authorities conduct recovery operations.
The incident is considered one of the worst diving accidents in Maldivian history, a destination known for its stunning coral islands. The group began diving on Thursday and was reported missing by the vessel crew when they failed to resurface. Rough conditions were noted about 100km (62 miles) south of Male, prompting a yellow warning for boats and fisherman. The University of Genoa named the victims, expressing profound condolences. Initial investigations suggest possible oxygen toxicity and adverse weather conditions may have contributed to the tragedy, as ocean currents significantly differ from those in the Mediterranean.
Diving and snorkeling incidents are infrequent in the Maldives, though recent fatalities have been recorded. Weather conditions and potential equipment malfunction are being examined further as authorities conduct recovery operations.
