Five Italian nationals, including researchers from the University of Genoa, have died during a scuba diving expedition in the Maldives, authorities said.
Italy’s foreign ministry said the divers were attempting to explore underwater caves at a depth of about 50 metres in Vaavu Atoll when the accident occurred.
According to the Maldivian military, one body was recovered from a cave located about 60 metres underwater, while the remaining four victims were believed to still be trapped in the same area.
Specialised rescue divers equipped for deep-water operations were deployed to the scene, although authorities described the recovery mission as highly risky due to underwater conditions.
The victims included ecology professor Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, research fellow Muriel Oddenino, marine biology graduate Federico Gualtieri, and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti.
Local media reported that the group entered the water Thursday morning but failed to resurface, prompting the crew of their diving vessel to alert authorities.
Police said rough weather conditions had been recorded in the area, located about 100 kilometres south of the capital, Malé, with yellow weather warnings issued for fishermen and passenger boats.
In a statement posted on X, the University of Genoa expressed “deepest condolences” over the deaths.
The tragedy is believed to be the deadliest single diving accident recorded in the Maldives, a country globally known for its coral islands and diving tourism.
Erizia Rubyjeana
