Search in waters off the Maldives after 5 Italians killed in cave dive accident

Maldives cave – Italian officials say five divers died while attempting to explore caves at 50 meters in the Maldives. A major rescue and search operation continues in Vaavu Atoll.

Search efforts in the waters off the Maldives intensified on Friday after five Italian divers were killed in a scuba accident during an attempt to explore underwater caves, according to authorities.

Italy’s Foreign Ministry said the divers “apparently died while attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 meters (164 feet)” on Thursday. The ministry said the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation.

Maldivian authorities launched what they described as a major rescue operation immediately after the incident. sending boats. aircraft and dive teams to search the area.. The Maldives National Defense Force said in a statement that one diver was found dead inside a deep underwater cave and that the body was recovered from nearly 60 meters (200 feet) below the surface.

The remaining four divers were believed to be inside the same cave. Additional teams and specialized equipment were being dispatched for what officials characterized as a dangerous, high-risk operation.

Italy’s Foreign Ministry did not provide information on the recovery of the other bodies. It said an Italian expert was assisting the coast guard and Maldivian vessels as searches continued on Friday.

Officials also planned a dive to assess access to the underwater cave in Vaavu Atoll. where the accident occurred. though rough weather conditions could delay recovery operations.. The ministry noted that Italy’s ambassador to Colombo. which oversees relations with the Maldives. traveled to Malé to meet with coast guard officials.. The Italian Embassy said it was in contact with the victims’ families and providing assistance.

The divers had been on a morning dive near Alimathaa and were reported missing after failing to surface by midday Thursday, according to initial reports. At the time, conditions were described as unfavorable, with a yellow weather alert in effect.

Reporting included contributions from Sheikh Saaliq in New Delhi.

Maldives dive accident Italian divers cave diving incident Vaavu Atoll rescue operation Foreign Ministry