In brief
Five Italian divers, including a university professor, her daughter, and two researchers, have tragically lost their lives during a scuba diving expedition in the Maldives. Authorities initiated a high-risk search operation at a depth of 60 meters where the divers were last seen. Initial studies suggest potential oxygen toxicity may have contributed to the accident, in addition to challenging local weather conditions.
Five Italians have tragically died in a scuba diving accident in the Maldives, as confirmed by the foreign ministry in Rome.
The divers reportedly perished while attempting to explore underwater caves at a depth of 50 meters (164 feet) in the Vaavu Atoll region.
Four of the deceased were members of a University of Genoa team, consisting of professor Monica Montefalcone, her student daughter Giorgia Sommacal, and two colleagues, research fellow Muriel Oddenino and marine biology graduate Federico Gualtieri.
Maldivian military officials reported that one body was located in a cave approximately 60 meters underwater, while the fate of the other four divers remains uncertain.
Search and rescue teams equipped with specialized gear have been deployed, with the operation deemed a significant risk.
The Italian foreign ministry indicated that they are cooperating with local authorities in the recovery of the bodies. Ferries carrying another 20 Italian nationals, who were on board the Duke of York yacht from which the five divers departed, are unharmed and receiving assistance from the Italian Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
This incident is being marked as one of the deadliest single diving accidents in the Maldives, widely recognized for its stunning coral islands and vibrant marine life.
The divers began their expedition early Thursday and were reported missing when they failed to resurface after their dive.
Local police noted that inclement weather in the area, located about 100 kilometers south of Male, prompted a yellow warning for passenger boats and fishermen.
Later assessments detailed that the cave entered by the divers features three large rooms interconnected by narrow passages. A second dive by the Coast Guard took place to further investigate two of those rooms. Plans are in place for additional dives to examine the third room.
Family members and the university have expressed their profound sorrow following the incident. Monica Montefalcone's husband described her as among the world's finest divers, vowing that safety would always be her priority.
Authorities are investigating the causes behind the accident, with suggestions of 'oxygen toxicity' during deep dives and adverse weather conditions being considered as potential factors. Diving mishaps are relatively rare in the Maldives, though fatalities have been reported sporadically in the past.
