Five Italian nationals have died in a tragic scuba diving accident in the Maldives while reportedly attempting to explore underwater caves near Vaavu Atoll.
According to the Italy foreign ministry, the divers are believed to have died during an expedition at a depth of around 50 metres beneath the surface.
The Maldives military later confirmed that one body had been located inside a cave approximately 60 metres underwater, while the remaining four victims were also believed to be trapped in the same area.
Authorities said specially equipped divers had been deployed to conduct the recovery mission, describing the operation as extremely dangerous due to the depth and underwater conditions.
The incident is believed to be the deadliest single diving accident recorded in the Maldives, a country internationally known for its coral islands and marine tourism activities.
Local media reported that the five Italians entered the water on Thursday morning before crew members aboard the diving vessel raised the alarm after they failed to resurface.
Police said weather conditions in the area, located about 100 kilometres south of the capital Malé, were rough at the time of the incident, with a yellow warning issued earlier for passenger boats and fishermen.
The University of Genoa later confirmed that the victims included a marine biology professor, her daughter and two young researchers.
In a statement posted on X, the university expressed its deepest condolences to the victims and their families.
Although diving and snorkelling accidents are relatively uncommon in the Maldives, several fatal incidents involving tourists have been reported in recent years.
Last December, an experienced British diver died in a scuba diving incident near Ellaidhoo island resort, while her husband reportedly passed away several days later after falling ill.
In 2024, a Japanese lawmaker also died during a snorkelling activity in Lhaviyani Atoll.
The latest tragedy has once again raised concerns over safety risks linked to deep-sea diving expeditions, especially in challenging weather and underwater conditions.
