Updated May 16, 2026 — A Maldivian military diver died Saturday after suffering decompression sickness while taking part in a search for four Italian divers believed to be trapped inside an underwater cave in Vaavu Atoll. Authorities identified the deceased as Mohamed Mahudhee, a member of the Maldives National Defence Force, who was evacuated to a hospital in the capital before he died.
Maldives Presidential spokesman Mohammed Hussain Shareef described Mahudhee’s death as illustrating the difficulty and danger of the recovery mission. The diver had been part of the team that briefed President Mohamed Muizzu on the rescue plan when the president visited the site Friday.
The operation began after a group of five Italian divers failed to return from a dive on Thursday. Divers and officials say the group is believed to have entered a cave at roughly 160 feet (about 49 meters), well beyond the typical recreational diving limit of 30 meters (about 98 feet). One body, identified as diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti, was recovered near the mouth of the cave on Thursday. Four others remain missing and are presumed inside the cave.
The missing have been named as Monica Montefalcone, an associate ecology professor at the University of Genoa; her daughter, Giorgia Sommacal; marine biologist Federico Gualtieri; and researcher Muriel Oddenino. The University of Genoa said Montefalcone and Oddenino were in the Maldives on an official scientific mission to study marine environments and climate change, but added that the fatal dive was undertaken privately and was not part of the planned research.
Maldivian and Italian authorities say rough weather repeatedly hampered search and recovery efforts. The Italian Foreign Ministry said the cave comprises three large chambers connected by narrow passages. Recovery teams explored two of the chambers but were constrained by limited oxygen supplies, decompression requirements and safety concerns. Local officials described the incident as the worst single diving accident in Maldives history.
Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, said everything possible would be done to bring the victims home. The Italian government is coordinating with Divers Alert Network, a specialist diving organization, and expects to send two Italian experts—a deep-sea rescue specialist and a cave-diving expert—to assist the recovery.
About 20 other Italians aboard the expedition vessel Duke of York were reported safe. The Maldives tourism ministry has suspended the Duke of York’s operating license pending investigation. Italy’s embassy in Colombo and local consular staff have been in contact with victims’ families and are offering assistance; the Red Crescent has offered volunteers to help with psychological support.
Authorities reiterated that cave diving is a highly technical and hazardous activity that requires specialized training and equipment. Experts warn that risks rise sharply at depth and in overhead environments where divers cannot ascend directly to the surface; poor visibility, narrow passages and decompression limits all increase the danger.
President Muizzu said finding the remaining victims is the country’s “highest priority” and expressed condolences to the families and those affected by the tragedy. Local media reports note that marine-related tourist fatalities, while relatively rare, have occurred in the Maldives in recent years.