Rescue Diver Dies During Search for Italian Divers Missing in Maldives Cave Tragedy

A rescue diver has died while taking part in a recovery operation for five Italian scuba divers who disappeared during a deep-water cave expedition in the Maldives.

Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahdhee was rushed to hospital in critical condition after the operation but later died from his injuries, authorities confirmed.

The rescue mission was launched after five Italian nationals went missing while exploring underwater caves near Vaavu Atoll, around 100km south of the capital, Male.

Officials believe the divers descended to depths of about 50m during the excursion. So far, only one body is believed to have been recovered from a cave roughly 60m underwater.

Authorities say the incident may be the deadliest single diving accident ever recorded in the Maldives, a country internationally known for its coral reefs and luxury tourism industry.

According to reports, four of the victims were members of a research group from the University of Genoa, including ecology professor Monica Montefalcone, her daughter and two researchers.

The fifth victim was identified as a diving instructor and boat operations manager.

Local media reported that the group entered the water from the yacht Duke of York on Thursday morning before failing to resurface.

Police said weather conditions in the area had been rough at the time of the dive, with authorities issuing a yellow warning for passenger boats and fishermen.

Officials also noted that recreational scuba divers in the Maldives are generally restricted to a maximum depth of 30m, raising questions about why the group attempted to enter caves located around 60m below the surface.

Italy’s foreign ministry confirmed that approximately 20 other Italian nationals aboard the yacht were unharmed and are receiving support from the Italian embassy in Colombo.

Search and recovery efforts remain ongoing.