Maldives military diver dies searching for four Italian divers missing inside underwater cave system
A Maldivian military diver died from decompression sickness while searching for four Italian divers missing in an underwater cave system near Vaavu Atoll. The Italian divers, including researchers and experienced professionals, disappeared during an unauthorized deep dive that exceeded recreational limits. The search has been halted due to dangerous conditions, and the cause of the incident remains under investigation.
- ▪Maldivian military diver Mohamed Mahdi died from decompression sickness during the rescue operation.
- ▪The missing Italian divers included ecology professor Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, marine biologist Federico Gualtieri, researcher Muriel Oddenino, and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti, who was later found dead ne
- ▪The dive was unauthorized and went far beyond the Maldives’ recreational diving limits, according to officials and the tour operator.
- ▪Search efforts were suspended due to extreme underwater conditions, limited oxygen, and the complexity of the cave system.
- ▪Monica Montefalcone’s husband questioned the circumstances, citing her extensive experience and cautious approach to diving.
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World Maldives military diver dies searching for four Italian divers missing inside underwater cave system Tour operator denies authorizing the descent, says divers appeared to be using standard recreational equipment By Stephen Sorace Fox News Published May 17, 2026 7:55am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for May 17 Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A perilous search for the bodies of four Italian divers missing deep inside a Maldivian cave was halted Saturday after a military diver died during the mission.
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