A diver involved in the search for four Italian tourists who drowned while exploring underwater caves in the Maldives has also died, local authorities confirmed on Saturday.
Recovery Mission Turns Tragic
Mohammed Mahdi, a sergeant major in the Maldivian military, fell ill on the third day of the recovery mission in the Vaavu Atoll. Local reports attribute his death to decompression sickness, a condition caused by rapid ascent from deep water.
The Maldivian military paid tribute on X, stating: 'His courage, sacrifice, and service to the nation will always be remembered. Our deepest condolences to his family and colleagues.'
Victims of the Initial Accident
The group of Italian scuba divers failed to resurface on Thursday after exploring underwater caves. Among them were four members from the University of Genoa: marine biologist Monica Montefalcone, 51; her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, 20; research fellow Muriel Oddenino; marine biology graduate Federico Gualtieri; and boat operations manager and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti.
The University of Genoa expressed its sympathy in a statement: 'The sympathy of the entire university community goes out to the families, colleagues and students who shared their human and professional journey.'
Scientific Mission Details
Montefalcone and Oddenino were in the Maldives on an official scientific mission to monitor marine environments and study climate change effects on tropical biodiversity. However, the university clarified that the fatal dive was a private activity not part of the planned research.
Montefalcone's husband, Carlo Sommacal, told Italian newspaper La Repubblica that he hoped her GoPro camera might help investigators understand the tragedy. He described his wife as an expert diver with 5,000 trips who 'knows what to do even in times of difficulty.' He also praised Benedetti as 'meticulous' in safety planning.
Ongoing Search and Investigation
Italian officials said around 20 other Italians on the same expedition aboard the vessel 'Duke of York' were safe. Italy's embassy in Colombo provided assistance and contacted the Red Crescent for psychological support.
The Maldives tourism ministry suspended the operating license of the 'Duke of York' pending an investigation. The Italian foreign ministry described the cave as divided into three large chambers connected by narrow passages. Recovery teams explored two chambers on Friday but limited the search due to oxygen and decompression concerns. The third chamber was to be explored on Saturday.
