Maldives diver dies searching underwater cave for Italian scuba-diving victims
May 17, 2026
Rome [Italy], May 17:: A rescue diver has died in the Maldives while searching for the bodies of Italian tourists who drowned in a scuba-diving accident, according to media reports.
The diver, a member of the Maldives National Defence Force, died while attempting to locate four bodies in an underwater cave in the Vaavu Atoll, Italian news agency ANSA reported on Saturday, citing Maldivian sources. A total of five Italians were killed in the incident on Thursday. Only one body has been recovered so far. Italy's Foreign Ministry said the group of five - including a marine biologist and a diving instructor - had been exploring a cave system with multiple chambers connected by narrow passages at a depth of around 50 metres. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
