Bodies of Four Italian Divers Found Deep in Maldives Cave
Bodies of Four Italian Divers Found Deep in Maldives Cave
Four Italian divers were found together deep inside a Maldives cave; recovery teams plan to retrieve the remaining two bodies in the next two days.
Rescuers have located the bodies of four Italian divers deep inside an underwater cave in Vaavu Atoll, about 50 metres below the surface. The group had been exploring a site at Devana Kandu when they went missing four days earlier. The fifth diver, a diving instructor, was found earlier outside the cave. The recreational diving limit in the Maldives is 30 metres, which highlights the peril involved when exploring deeper cave systems.
An international team of rescue divers, including three Finnish specialists, worked with Maldives police and the military to reach the innermost parts of the cave. The bodies were discovered in the third and deepest segment of the cave, the largest chamber in the complex, and appeared to be together. The operation to retrieve them will continue as authorities coordinate with local authorities and the boat operator to ensure safe handling of the remains.
Earlier, rescue efforts were paused after the death of a local military diver during a perilous attempt to reach the missing group. The operation also faced regulatory questions, with authorities saying the boat used by the divers had no dive school permit, and that permits are required for expeditions. Despite the permit issues, officials had granted permission for the divers to research soft corals at the Devana Kandu site.
With recovery plans in place, officials say two bodies will be retrieved tomorrow and the remaining two possibly the day after, continuing a delicate salvage operation in challenging depths. The tragedy underscores the risks inherent in cave diving and the need for rigorous safety protocols, trained guides, and clear permits for expeditions in Maldivian waters.
Authorities have not released a formal cause of death and will likely conduct further investigations. For now, the focus remains on bringing the divers home and reviewing procedures to prevent a similar incident in the future.
