A diver from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has died while participating in a challenging search and rescue mission for a group of missing Italian divers in Vaavu Atoll.
Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhy was rushed to ADK Hospital in critical condition after resurfacing during the operation near V. Alimathaa on Thursday. Despite emergency medical treatment, he later succumbed to his condition, authorities confirmed.
The tragic incident unfolded as rescue teams searched for five individuals who went missing during a diving excursion. The group included four Italian tourists and a diving instructor attached to the safari vessel they were traveling on.
One Body Recovered as Search Continues
Authorities said one diver’s body was recovered shortly after sunset on Thursday. The body was reportedly discovered inside an underwater cave located at an estimated depth of 60 metres, or around 197 feet.
Search efforts remain ongoing for the remaining four missing divers.
Officials believe the missing individuals may also be trapped within the same cave system, which is believed to stretch nearly 200 feet underwater. The operation has proven especially difficult due to the cave’s depth and underwater conditions. Deep cave diving is often considered one of the most dangerous forms of diving, even for experienced professionals.
Investigation Launched Into Diving Depth
Authorities have also opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the dive.
Under Maldivian regulations, the maximum permitted recreational diving depth is 30 metres. However, preliminary findings suggest the group descended far beyond that legal limit.
Questions are now being raised about how the divers reached such extreme depths and whether safety procedures were properly followed before the excursion began.
Tourism Ministry Calls for Stronger Safety Compliance
In a statement issued following the incident, the Ministry of Tourism stressed that ensuring safety within the tourism industry is a shared responsibility among all operators.
The ministry urged tourism and diving operators across the Maldives to strictly comply with existing safety regulations and standards. Officials also stated that further measures and necessary action would be taken to strengthen safety practices within the sector.
The Maldives is internationally known for its world-class diving experiences, attracting thousands of tourists each year. However, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with deep-sea and cave diving when safety limits are exceeded.
