Diver Dies In Maldives Cave Rescue Mission

A rescue operation in the Maldives turned tragic after a Maldivian Coast Guard diver died while searching for five Italian tourists believed to be trapped inside a deep underwater cave system in the Vaavu Atoll region.

Sergeant Major Mohamed Mahudhee reportedly became critically ill during the high-risk recovery mission and later died in hospital from suspected decompression sickness, according to Maldivian officials and multiple media reports.

His death raised the toll in what authorities are calling one of the worst diving disasters in Maldives history to six people, according to the New York Post.

Search Operation Suspended After Diver’s Death

Maldivian authorities temporarily suspended recovery operations after Mahudhee’s death and worsening weather conditions made the cave system too dangerous for divers. Rough seas, poor underwater visibility, and strong currents repeatedly disrupted search efforts.

Officials said the cave contains multiple narrow chambers and tight passageways nearly 50 meters (164 feet) below the surface, creating extremely hazardous conditions even for experienced technical divers.

Presidential spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef said recovery teams had explored two chambers of the cave and believed the remaining bodies could be located inside a third unexplored section.

Italian Divers Identified

The victims included Italian marine researcher Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, researcher Muriel Oddenino, marine biology graduate Federico Gualtieri, and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti. Only Benedetti’s body has so far been recovered.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy was coordinating with diving specialists and Maldivian authorities to recover and repatriate the bodies.

Deep Dive Raises Safety Questions

Investigators are examining whether the group exceeded Maldives recreational diving limits. Authorities said the divers descended to around 50 meters — significantly deeper than the country’s standard 30-meter recreational limit unless special technical-diving authorization is granted.

Experts cited in reports warned that dives at those depths carry major risks, including nitrogen narcosis, oxygen toxicity, decompression sickness, disorientation, and equipment complications inside enclosed cave systems. Technical cave dives also typically require specialized gas mixtures and advanced decompression planning.

The dive reportedly took place using standard recreational equipment, according to preliminary findings cited by investigators.

Yacht License Suspended as Investigation Continues

Maldivian authorities have suspended the operating license of the liveaboard vessel Duke of York pending the investigation into the incident. Officials are also examining whether the dive was properly authorized and whether safety protocols were followed.

The accident has triggered broader debate within the diving community about technical cave diving safety standards, emergency preparedness, and oversight in one of the world’s most popular diving destinations.