The bodies of the four Italian divers, missing since last week, have been located in a cave underwater in the Maldives, according to the Maldives National Defense Force. This discovery follows the retrieval of one body on Thursday, the same day five researchers disappeared.
Authorities found the four bodies within the Vaavu Atoll cave during a joint search operation, supported by experts from Italy. Teams from multiple nations participated in this extensive search, exploring deepwater formations for any trace of the divers. Tragically, one member of the Maldives National Defense Forces died recently due to decompression illness while participating in the search.
The missing group were part of a larger expedition of Italian divers in the Maldives, a region known for its diving appeal due to clear waters and impressive dive sites. The dive undertaken last Thursday aimed to examine deepwater reefs and caves, necessitating specialized equipment. This operation was deemed hazardous by the Maldives defense force. Thankfully, 20 other Italians in the expedition did not join this specific dive and remain safe.
Among the missing were a marine scientist and her daughter, who did not return to the surface after their descent into caves around 50 meters deep. A distress call reached the Maldives coast guard at noon on Thursday; later, at about 196 feet – deeper than expected for this dive – one body was discovered. Gradual recovery of the four remaining bodies is planned over the coming days, as the Maldives National Defense Force initiates another series of dives.
The Maldives President’s Media Division and Associated Press provided images depicting divers preparing for the search operation.