A video circulating after the tragedy at Maldivas exposes the interior of Thinwana Kandu, known as the shark cave. The material records narrow and winding passages tens of meters deep in the Vaavu atoll. Cinco Italian divers died on site during an expedition on Thursday, May 14. Authorities located the bodies in the following days with the support of specialized teams.
The images show cramped corridors, dark walls and little visible marine life, except for a stingray in one section. The group descended to approximately 49 meters. A military diver from Maldivas died on Saturday during rescue operations.
Vídeo reveals complex structure of underwater cave
The log recorded inside the Thinwana Kandu displays a hostile diving environment. Corredores straits stretch for about 60 meters in total. The complex is divided into three main chambers.
Mergulhadores advance with difficulty in sections where visibility drops. The cave is approximately 95 kilometers from the capital Malé. Especialistas Finns located four bodies this Monday, May 18, in the third segment. The fifth body, that of instructor Gianluca Benedetti, was found earlier, near the entrance.
- Corredores winding with reduced width at several points
- Profundidade average of 49 meters at the location of the bodies
- Divisão in three main chambers
- Presença limited marine fauna visible in images
- Acesso complicated by currents and sea conditions
Italian Grupo had authorization only for coral research
The yacht Duke of York led the group of Italians. The released documentation allowed diving up to 30 meters to study corals. The bodies were found well beyond that limit.
The victims included ecology professor Monica Montefalcone, 52, and her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, 20. Também were marine biologist Federico Gualtieri, researcher Muriel Oddenino and instructor Gianluca Benedetti. Monica’s husband reported to La Repubblica that the experienced diver would not risk the group recklessly. Algo must have happened down there, according to him.
Clima adverse and depth raise questions about the expedition
A yellow severe weather warning was in effect the day before the dive. Ventos reached 48 km/h in the region. Strong currents are common in the channels of Vaavu atoll, which attract sharks and pelagic fish but increase risks.
The recovery operation required advanced equipment sent by Reino Unido and Austrália. Underwater Scooters and cylinders with air recycling were used. Maldivas and Itália authorities are investigating the exact causes. Hipóteses include equipment failures, disorientation in narrow passages, and the effects of bad weather.
Resgate involves international teams and faces constant dangers
A specialized Finnish team with experience in complex rescues arrived within 48 hours. Divers located the bodies grouped together inside the cave. Withdrawal operations continue and are described as high risk.
On Saturday, Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee, 43, died from decompression sickness during one of the attempts. The case became the worst diving accident recorded in Maldivas.
Local known for attracting advanced divers
The Vaavu atoll combines submerged structures with natural tunnels and vertical walls. Mergulhos in canals attract large marine species. Thinwana Kandu is nicknamed shark cave precisely because of the local fauna.
Especialistas warn that caves like this require specific training, technical certifications and appropriate equipment. The group followed an expedition that combined research and exploration. Investigations continue to clarify the reasons for entering the cave.