The bodies of four Italian divers who disappeared during a cave diving expedition in Vaavu Atoll have been located following an extensive multinational search and recovery operation, authorities confirmed.
According to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), the discovery was made during a coordinated mission involving the Coast Guard, Maldives Police Service, and specialist foreign divers deployed with assistance from the Italian government.
Recovery Made Inside Underwater Cave
Chief Spokesperson at the President’s Office, Mohamed Hussain Shareef, also known as Mundhu, said the bodies were found inside the same underwater cave where the group had reportedly been diving before they vanished.
He noted that recovery efforts are still ongoing and are expected to continue over the next several days as authorities work carefully within the challenging underwater environment.
The incident has drawn significant international attention due to the dangerous nature of cave diving, often considered one of the most technically demanding forms of diving. Strong currents, narrow passages, and limited visibility can quickly turn a routine dive into a life-threatening situation.
International Divers and Technical Teams Join Search
The search mission expanded considerably after the initial recovery efforts faced difficulties. Specially trained deep-sea divers from Italy joined local authorities to assist with operations deep beneath the surface.
Authorities also confirmed that three experienced Finnish cave divers and technical specialists from the Maldives Recovery Mission were later deployed to support the operation. In addition, an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was used to assess parts of the cave system that were difficult or unsafe for divers to access directly.
The recovery mission received further technical and logistical support from the Divers Alert Network (DAN), a United States-based diver safety organization. Assistance was also provided by the British, Australian, and US governments.
Search Efforts Shadowed by Death of MNDF Diver
The operation was temporarily suspended earlier after the death of Coast Guard Staff Sergeant First Class Mohamed Mahudhy, one of the MNDF’s most experienced divers.
His death added another layer of tragedy to an already dangerous mission and highlighted the extreme risks faced by rescue teams operating in deep underwater cave environments.
Despite the setback, search operations resumed with additional international expertise and equipment brought into the Maldives.
Divers Went Missing Near Alimathaa
Authorities said the group went missing last Thursday during a dive near V. Alimathaa, a location known among divers for its rich marine life and underwater terrain.
The group’s diving instructor was discovered dead on the same day inside the cave at a depth of approximately 60 metres, or about 197 feet.
Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
Tourism Ministry Suspends Safari Vessel License
Following the tragedy, the Ministry of Tourism suspended the operating license of the safari vessel MV Duke of York pending the outcome of the investigation.
Officials have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the dive or whether safety protocols were fully followed before the expedition began.
The incident has sparked renewed discussion within the local diving community about cave diving safety standards and emergency preparedness in the Maldives tourism sector.
