Tragedy struck in the Maldives as a scuba diving expedition claimed the lives of five tourists, including a mother and daughter duo. The group, which included four individuals linked to the Università di Genova in Italy, had set out for a cave-diving adventure in the Vaavu Atoll on Thursday, May 14. Unfortunately, they did not return as expected, prompting a significant search operation.
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The party, which comprised Monica Montefalcone, an associate professor of marine biology, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, and two other members from the university, along with a diving instructor, was reported missing after failing to establish contact at 1:45 p.m. local time. An alert was raised to the local Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, which mobilised search efforts in the vicinity.
The Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) revealed that the divers had ventured to explore underwater caves at a depth of approximately 50 metres. Reports indicate that this incident may be one of the deadliest diving accidents recorded in the Maldives, a country known for its pristine waters and vibrant marine life.
The group members have been identified as Gianluca Benedetti, the diving instructor; Federico Gualtieri, a recent graduate of the university; and Muriel Oddenino, a research assistant. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear, while the search for the four missing individuals continues.
Despite challenging weather conditions hampering efforts, authorities managed to recover one body around 6:13 p.m. local time on the day of the incident. According to MNDF statements, this body was found at a depth of 60 metres inside a cave measuring about 200 feet long. Additional divers equipped with specialised gear have since been dispatched to the site to support recovery operations.
In reaction to the tragedy, the Università di Genova expressed its profound sorrow, extending condolences to the families and friends of the victims. The Mayor of Genoa, Silvia Salis, echoed their sentiments, sharing heartfelt sympathies with the affected families and the wider community connected to the victims.
As search operations continue, the Italian Foreign Ministry noted that worsening weather could impede recovery efforts. An initial dive to scout the cave’s entry points is planned, contingent on a shift in weather conditions. The Italian Ambassador from Colombo arrived in Malé shortly after the incident to liaise with local Coast Guard officials and to provide assistance to the families of the deceased.
The MNDF confirmed that a Coast Guard vessel will remain in the area until the search and recovery mission is completed. Efforts will be intensified as teams aim to locate the remaining divers amid the ongoing challenges posed by both the underwater environment and weather conditions.
As the situation unfolds, further statements from the MNDF and Italy’s Foreign Ministry are anticipated, providing updates on the ongoing search operations and the measures taken to support the affected families during this tragic time.