According to initial information, a group of divers disappeared while exploring underwater caves in Vaavu Atoll, a popular diving area in the Indian Ocean. The Italian Ministry states that the divers descended to a depth of about 50 meters, after which they did not surface again.
The Maldivian military confirmed that one body was found in a cave approximately 60 meters deep, while the other four bodies are believed to be in the same location. Specialized divers with special equipment are involved in the search, and the authorities describe the operation as extremely dangerous due to the demanding conditions under the sea.
According to local media, five Italians entered the sea on Thursday morning. The dive boat crew alerted authorities after the group did not return from the dive.
Police reported that weather conditions in the area, about a hundred kilometers south of the capital Malé, were very unfavorable. A yellow warning has been issued for passenger ships and fishermen due to rough seas.
Among the dead were Monica Montefalcone, professor of marine biology at the University of Genoa, and her daughter Giorgia Sommacal.
The remaining three victims were identified as Muriel Oddenino from Turin, Gianluca Benedetti from Padua and Federico Gualtieri from Borgomanero.
This could be the worst single diving accident in the history of the Maldives, a country known among tourists for its attractive coral reefs and diving sites.
Although accidents while diving and snorkeling in the Maldives are relatively rare, there have been several deaths related to underwater activities in recent years.
Last December, a British diver lost her life during a dive near the island resort of Ellaidhoo, while her husband died a few days later after health complications. A year earlier, a Japanese parliamentarian also lost his life while snorkeling in the Lhaviyani atoll.
(Vijesti.ba)
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