Maldives cave diving tragedy: Five Italian divers dead during deep-sea expedition in Vaavu Atoll
PTC Web Desk: Five Italian divers lost their lives during an underwater cave exploration in the Maldives, in an incident that local authorities have described as the country’s worst-ever diving tragedy. The accident occurred in the Vaavu Atoll region, where the group had descended nearly 50 metre below sea level for a technical dive inside an underwater cave system.
Officials said the divers failed to return to the surface after entering the caves on Thursday. Rescue operations have so far recovered only one body, while harsh sea conditions and limited underwater visibility have slowed further recovery efforts.
The victims have been identified as Monica Montefalcone, Giorgia Sommacal, Federico Gualtieri, Muriel Oddenino and Gianluca Benedetti. The group had reportedly used a yacht named Duke of York during the expedition.
According to Maldivian authorities, Benedetti’s body was located near the entrance of the cave network. Rescue officials believe the remaining divers may still be trapped deeper inside the cave system.
Several members of the group were associated with the University of Genoa in Italy. Montefalcone was a noted marine biologist and professor specialising in tropical marine ecology and underwater science. She was also involved in environmental monitoring projects in the Maldives.
Her daughter, Giorgia Sommacal, reportedly shared the same interest in marine exploration and had studied biomedical engineering. Muriel Oddenino, 31, was known for her work in marine ecology and had contributed to multiple scientific studies. Federico Gualtieri, also 31, had recently completed studies in marine biology and worked as a certified scuba instructor.
Benedetti, 44, had earlier worked in banking and finance before relocating to the Maldives several years ago to pursue professional diving and marine operations.
Search operations were temporarily suspended due to rough weather and strong underwater currents. Maldivian presidential spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef said teams of divers explored deeper sections of the cave before conditions became unsafe. Rescue personnel have prepared a preliminary underwater map to support the next phase of operations.
Two Italian diving specialists are expected to join the recovery mission, while Italian authorities are coordinating with international diving organisations for the repatriation process.
Reports suggest the cave network contains multiple chambers connected through narrow passages, making the operation highly complex. Recovery teams have already searched two chambers but had to halt further movement because of decompression limitations and deteriorating underwater conditions.
Investigators are examining several possible causes behind the tragedy. Poor weather and reduced visibility are believed to have played a significant role. Strong winds in the region may have disturbed underwater sediment, causing divers to lose orientation inside the cave system.
Experts are also considering whether one diver became trapped, leading others to exhaust their oxygen supply while attempting a rescue. Another possibility being examined is oxygen toxicity, a condition that can occur when breathing gas mixtures are not suited for extreme diving depths.
Underwater cave diving is considered one of the most dangerous forms of scuba diving because of confined spaces, darkness, and the absence of a direct route to the surface. Technical dives beyond 40 metre require specialised training, advanced equipment and extensive experience.
The Maldives, known globally for diving tourism, rarely witnesses accidents of this scale involving experienced technical divers.
- With inputs from agencies
