Rescue diver dies during Maldives cave search for Italian divers
Rescue diver dies during Maldives cave search for Italian divers
A Maldivian rescue diver dies in a high-risk operation to recover the bodies of five Italians who perished in a cave-diving accident.
A Maldivian rescue diver died in a search operation for the bodies of five Italians who drowned while cave-diving in the Maldives. Staff Sgt Mohamed Mahdhee was rushed to hospital in critical condition and later died, according to a government spokesman.
Five Italians died when they attempted to explore underwater caves at depths around 50 meters; authorities say one body was recovered at about 60 meters. The incident is described as the worst diving accident in the archipelago.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu travelled to Vaavu Atoll to oversee the search as eight rescue divers were deployed. The operation was described as very high risk due to unfavourable weather conditions.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani offered condolences, saying the tragedy unites Italy and the Maldives in grief and respect for the victims.
Among the victims were Giorgia Sommacal, her mother Monica Montefalcone, and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti, all connected to a University of Genoa team; a fifth victim was a boat operator.
