Maldivian Authorities Search for Bodies of Four Italian Divers After Cave Accident

Maldivian authorities conducted a high-risk search Friday for the bodies of four Italian divers who died in a scuba accident inside a deep underwater cave a day earlier. The body of a fifth diver was recovered Thursday from about 60 meters (200 feet) below the surface, local officials said.

Authorities said the remaining four were believed to be inside the cave. Italy’s Foreign Ministry said the group apparently died while attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 meters (164 feet) in the Vaavu Atoll on Thursday. The cause of the deaths remains under investigation.

The ministry said an Italian expert was assisting Maldivian coast guard crews, and Italy’s ambassador to Sri Lanka, who also covers the Maldives, was aboard a search vessel. The dead included Monica Montefalcone, an associate ecology professor at the University of Genoa, and her daughter Giorgia, as well as marine biologist Federico Gualtieri and researcher Muriel Oddenino, according to statements from Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology and Genoa university.

The institute identified the fifth victim as diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti. It expressed deep condolences to their families and colleagues. The five divers were believed to have been exploring the cave when they went missing, according to Maldivian presidential spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef.

“The cave is so deep that divers even with the best equipment do not try to approach,” he said. Cave diving requires specialized equipment, training and strict safety protocols even at shallower depths.

Maldivian authorities launched a major search operation, deploying boats, aircraft and dive teams to the area near Alimathaa. The group had been on a morning dive and was reported missing after failing to surface by midday Thursday, when weather conditions were unfavorable.

Search teams recovered one body Thursday while the others were believed to remain inside the cave. Teams were preparing a second dive Friday to assess access to the cave, though rough weather could delay operations. The Italian Foreign Ministry said about 20 other Italians who had been on the same expedition aboard the vessel Duke of York were safe with no injuries reported.

The vessel was seeking safe harbor from poor weather and was waiting for conditions to improve before returning to Male. Italy’s embassy in Colombo was providing assistance to those onboard and had contacted the Red Crescent to offer psychological support.

The ministry said it was also coordinating with Divers Alert Network, a specialist diving insurance group, for possible technical support in recovery operations and repatriation of the bodies. Italian officials remained in contact with the victims’ families.