Tragic Scuba Diving Accident Claims Five Italian Lives in Maldives
Five Italian nationals have died in a scuba diving accident in the Maldives, according to the foreign ministry in Rome.
"The divers are believed to have died while attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 metres (164ft),"the ministry stated, adding that the incident occurred in Vaavu Atoll.
Among the victims, four were members of a University of Genoa team, including Professor of Ecology Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, who was also a student, and two researchers. The fifth victim was identified as Gianluca Benedetti, a boat operations manager and diving instructor.
Details of the Incident and Search Efforts
The Maldives' military reported that one body had been recovered from a cave approximately 60 meters underwater, with the remaining four divers believed to be inside the same cave system.
Specialized divers equipped for deep underwater operations were dispatched to the site, with authorities describing the search as extremely high risk.
The incident is considered the deadliest single diving accident in the Maldives, a small Indian Ocean nation renowned for its coral islands and popularity among tourists.
The five Italians entered the water on Thursday morning, according to local media reports. The diving vessel crew raised the alarm after the divers failed to resurface.
Police noted that weather conditions were rough in the area, located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of the capital city Malé. A yellow warning had been issued for passenger boats and fishermen due to the adverse weather.
Victims and Official Reactions
The University of Genoa confirmed the identities of the victims as Professor Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, research fellow Muriel Oddenino, and marine biology graduate Federico Gualtieri.
In a statement posted on X, the university expressed its
"deepest condolences"to the families and friends of those lost.
Context of Diving Safety in the Maldives
Diving and snorkeling accidents in the Maldives are relatively uncommon, though several fatalities have occurred in recent years.
Last December, an experienced British female diver drowned during a scuba diving incident near the island resort of Ellaidhoo. Her husband passed away five days later after falling ill.
Earlier in 2024, a Japanese lawmaker died while snorkeling in Lhaviyani Atoll.
