A Maldivian rescue diver died while searching for the bodies of four Italians who drowned in a scuba-diving accident. Staff Sgt Mohamed Mahdhee was found unconscious in the water and later died from his injuries. He had entered the water with seven other divers to search for the victims. The Maldives military described the operation as very high risk. Unfavourable weather conditions also contributed to the danger.
The five Italians died on Thursday. They were exploring caves at a depth of around 50 meters. This depth is roughly double the recommended limit for recreational scuba divers. Only one of the Italians' bodies has been recovered so far. It was found in a cave at a depth of about 60 meters. The incident is believed to be the worst single diving accident in the Maldives.
This tragedy highlights the risks involved in specialised diving. The Maldives is a popular tourist destination known for its coral islands. Strict regulations often govern diving activities for safety. Recreational divers are typically limited to depths of 30 meters. The reason for the Italians exceeding this limit remains unclear. The Maldivian President visited the search site on Saturday. Maldivian government spokesman Mohamed Hossain Shareef briefed the BBC.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed his condolences. He acknowledged the bravery of the rescue diver. "This tragedy unites Italy and the Maldives in grief and respect," he stated. Four of the Italian victims were from the University of Genoa. They were part of a research team. The fifth was a boat operations manager and diving instructor. Their yacht, the Duke of York, was moored nearby. Other Italian nationals on board were unharmed.
The recovery effort faced difficult seas. A yellow warning was issued for boats and fishermen. The Maldives military is continuing its search operations. Further investigations will likely focus on the Italians' diving choices. The incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols in extreme environments. The economic impact on tourism for the Maldives will be monitored.