Five Italian tourists have died in a scuba diving accident in the Maldives, according to the foreign ministry in Rome.
The tourists were in the Vaavu Atoll attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 metres. The ministry said the investigation is ongoing by Maldivian authorities. The Italian embassy is providing consular assistance to the victims' families.
The victims have been identified by the University of Genoa: Monica Montefalcone, 51, an associate professor of ecology; her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, 22, a student; Muriel Oddenino, 31, a research fellow; and Federico Gualtieri, a recent master’s graduate. The fifth victim was Gianluca Benedetti, a diving instructor for tour operator Albatros Top Boat.
The group went missing during a morning dive near Alimathaa after failing to surface by midday Thursday due to unfavourable weather. A high-risk recovery operation by the Maldives National Defense Force involves specialized divers, vessels, and air support. Italy's ambassador has arrived in Malé to coordinate efforts. The other 20 Italians aboard the Duke of York remain safe but are awaiting weather improvements to return to Malé.