Cinco Italians died while diving in an underwater cave in Atol from Vaavu, in Maldivas. The incident occurred on Thursday (14). Authorities recovered a body later that day. Local Equipes began this Friday (15) a new phase of the operation to rescue the others.
Ministério of Relações Exteriores of Itália confirmed the deaths. The group was exploring caves about 50 meters deep when they disappeared. A spokesperson for the Maldivas government described the cave as an extremely restricted access location. Mesmo Experienced divers often avoid going there.
Mergulho, divers -Kichigin/shutterstock.com
Resgate advances in difficult conditions
Equipes of Maldivas divers resumed their search this Friday. Elas has support from boats and an Italian specialist. The Itália ambassador follows the work on board a ship. Condições adverse weather may delay access to the cave.
A body was located Thursday afternoon in about 60 meters of water. Initial searches did not find the other four divers. Autoridades indicate that they may be at the same point within the underwater structure. The operation is considered high risk because of the depth and configuration of the cave.
- Mergulhadores of Forças of Defesa Nacionais of Maldivas leads the action
- An Italian expert assists with technical decisions
- The Itália ambassador is present at the search site
- Autoridades prepare access assessment dive
- Famílias of victims receives consular support from Embaixada
Vítimas included teacher and instructors
Monica Montefalcone, associate professor of Ecologia of Universidade of Gênova, was in the group. Her daughter, Giorgia Sommacal, a student of Engenharia Biomédica, also participated. Muriel Oddenino di Poirino, researcher of Turim, completed the female team. Instructors Gianluca Benedetti, from Pádua, and Federico Gualtieri, from Borgomanero, guided the dive.
The group went for a morning swim near Alimathaa. Eles did not return by noon. A yellow severe weather warning was in effect in the region. As Maldivas register a large flow of tourists seeking remote diving spots.
Investigação investigates circumstances of the accident
Maldivas authorities are investigating the case. The Italian Ministério follows the work. Nenhuma official cause has been released so far. Especialistas point out that cave diving at this depth requires specific equipment and advanced training.
The Atol of Vaavu attracts divers from all over the world for its coral formations. The archipelago has more than a thousand islands spread across Oceano Índico. Muitos tourists opt for safari boats with accommodation on board to explore more remote locations.
Operação mobilizes local and international resources
Barcos and aircraft participated in the first phase of the search. A second dive occurred on Friday. The Maldivas government maintains direct contact with Itália. Possibilidade of international aid request exists if conditions worsen.
Embaixada of Itália on Sri Lanka provides assistance to families. Italian Relações Exteriores’s Ministério reported that a specialist traveled to support the local coast guard. Searches continue with a focus on the safety of the rescue team.
The incident is described as the country’s worst recorded diving accident in a single event. As Maldivas depend on diving tourism as an important source of income. Autoridades reinforce that most activities take place in controlled areas and with accredited guides.
Perfil of victims reinforces group experience
Monica Montefalcone worked as a researcher in the marine area. Sua daughter Giorgia pursued a career linked to biomedicine. Muriel Oddenino worked on research projects at Itália. The two instructors had a background in marine biology and diving experience. The group traveled aboard the boat Duke of York.
Nenhum detail on possible technical issues or operational failures has been released. The investigation is expected to last days. Peritos analyze sea conditions, equipment used and dive planning.