Five Italian citizens lost their lives while engaging in scuba diving activities in the Maldives. The incident unfolded in Vaavu Atoll, where the group was exploring underwater caves at a depth of approximately 165 feet, as disclosed by Italy’s foreign ministry.
Specific details regarding the victims’ identities and the incident’s exact cause were not provided by the ministry. The group, identified as tourists, had been on the Duke of York liveaboard diving vessel, according to reports from Maldivian source The Edition.
The group went missing during a dive near Alimathaa after entering the water in the morning. Crew members raised an alarm when they did not resurface by midday. Poor weather conditions were noted at the dive site during the time of the tragedy.
Maldivian authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, with the Italian Embassy in Sri Lanka offering consular assistance to the affected families. Among the victims, one is believed to be a researcher from Genoa, as reported by Il Sole 24 Ore.
