Five Italian Divers Die in Cave Accident in Maldives

Five Italians have died in a scuba diving accident in the Maldives.

Tragedy Underwater

The foreign ministry in Rome confirmed the news. The divers were attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 metres. The accident happened in Vaavu Atoll.Four of the divers were part of a University of Genoa team. They included professor of ecology Monica Montefalcone, her daughter, and two researchers.

High-Risk Search Operation

The Maldives’ military said one body had been found in a cave about 60 metres underwater. The other four divers are believed to be there as well. Divers with special equipment have been sent to the area. The military described the search operation as very high risk.

Others Safe Aboard Yacht

Italy’s Foreign Ministry said another 20 Italian nationals were aboard the Duke of York yacht. The five divers had taken off from that yacht. The remaining 20 are unharmed and are receiving assistance from the Italian embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka.The ministry added that the yacht is waiting for better weather conditions before returning to the Maldives’ capital, Male.