Maldives Halts Cave Search After Military Diver Dies

A search for four Italian divers missing inside an underwater cave in the Maldives was suspended after a military diver died from decompression sickness. The diver, a member of the Maldivian National Defense Force, was transferred to a hospital in the capital and died on Saturday. Officials said the death occurred during a mission to reach the group at a depth of about 160 feet near Vaavu Atoll.

Background on the incident The five Italian divers disappeared on Thursday during a dive that exceeded the Maldives recreational limit of 98 feet. One body was recovered near the cave entrance shortly after the group was reported missing. The remaining four are believed to be inside a system of three large chambers connected by narrow passages.

Rescue teams explored two chambers on Friday before halting due to decompression risks.

International response and next steps Three Finnish cave-diving specialists arrived in the Maldives on Sunday to help develop a new recovery plan. Officials said the experts joined the coast guard in mapping a revised strategy. Italy's Foreign Minister said everything possible would be done to bring the victims home and offered condolences for the death of the Maldivian diver.

The Maldives Tourism Ministry suspended the operating license of the vessel involved in the trip while the investigation continues.

“The death goes to show the difficulty of the mission.”

Rough weather has repeatedly hampered operations. Search teams on Saturday included eight local divers working in shifts. The cause of the deaths remains under investigation. Officials are awaiting further assessments from the Finnish specialists before resuming recovery efforts.