The Maldives government has suspended the operating licence of a safari vessel following a tragic diving incident in Vaavu Atoll that left one person dead and four others missing.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the licence of the safari boat MV Duke of York has been suspended indefinitely while authorities continue their investigation into the incident.
Divers Went Missing Near Alimathaa
The incident took place on Thursday afternoon near V. Alimathaa, a popular diving area known for its strong currents and marine life. Five people, including four Italian tourists and the vessel’s diving instructor, were reported missing during a diving excursion.
Search and rescue operations continued into Friday as emergency teams worked to locate the missing divers.
Authorities confirmed that the body of one diver was recovered after sunset on Thursday. The remaining four individuals were still unaccounted for at the time of reporting.
Body Found Inside Deep Underwater Cave
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) said the recovered diver was discovered inside an underwater cave at a depth of approximately 60 metres, or around 197 feet.
Officials believe the other missing divers may also be trapped inside the same cave system, which is estimated to stretch nearly 200 feet in length underwater. The challenging depth and structure of the cave have complicated ongoing rescue efforts.
The discovery has raised serious questions about how the divers descended far beyond the country’s legal diving limit.
Investigation Focuses on Possible Safety Violations
In the Maldives, the maximum legal depth permitted for recreational diving is 30 metres. Authorities are now investigating why the group reportedly descended to nearly double that depth.
Could inadequate safety procedures or poor dive planning have contributed to the tragedy? Investigators are expected to examine whether diving regulations were followed before and during the excursion.
The Ministry of Tourism stressed that maintaining the Maldives’ reputation as a safe tourism destination depends on strict compliance with safety standards by all operators in the tourism sector.
Safari Vessel Ownership Details Released
Information available on the Tourism Ministry’s tourism portal shows that the 12-room MV Duke of York is owned by Abdul Muhusin Moosa.
The vessel is operated by Island Cruises Pvt Ltd, a company owned by Muhusin and Ibrahim Rasheed.
Authorities have not yet announced whether criminal charges or additional administrative action could follow as the investigation progresses.
Maldives Tourism Safety Under Spotlight
The incident has once again drawn attention to diving safety in the Maldives, a destination internationally recognised for its world-class dive sites and underwater tourism industry.
While diving excursions are generally considered safe when conducted within regulations, experts often warn that deep dives and cave environments can quickly become dangerous, especially in areas with strong currents or limited visibility.
The Tourism Ministry said all necessary measures would be taken to uphold safety standards and prevent similar incidents in the future.
