Investigations are continuing after a deadly cave diving expedition in the Maldives claimed the lives of five Italian divers and a Maldivian rescue diver. The tragedy unfolded near the Vaavu Atoll, where the group entered a deep underwater cave system on May 15, 2026, but never resurfaced.

The divers, who included marine biologist Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, researcher Muriel Oddenino, marine biologist Federico Gualtieri, and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti, were later found deep inside the cave network. Recovery teams said the group may have become disoriented inside the maze-like system and accidentally entered a dead-end chamber with no exit.

Experts involved in the recovery operation said the cave reaches depths of nearly 70 metres and presents extreme risks, especially without specialised cave-diving equipment and safety lines. Investigators are also examining whether the divers exceeded planned depth limits and whether the expedition had the proper approvals and equipment for technical cave diving.

The recovery mission itself turned tragic when Maldivian military diver Sgt. Mohamed Mahudhee died during search operations, reportedly from decompression sickness. Authorities in both the Maldives and Italy have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident, which is being described as one of the deadliest diving disasters in Maldives history.

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