Veteran Maldivian diver alleges Italian scuba divers weren’t authorized to dive cave: ‘everyone knows the rules were broken’
Five Italian scuba divers died while exploring a deep underwater cave in the Maldives, allegedly without proper authorization for such a dangerous dive. A veteran Maldivian diver claims established rules were violated, as the dive exceeded the legal recreational depth limit of 100 feet. The recovery operation ended without retrieving most of the bodies and resulted in the death of a Maldivian Coast Guard diver.
- ▪The five Italian divers died in the Alimathaa cave at a depth of about 160 feet, beyond the Maldives' 100-foot recreational diving limit.
- ▪Shafraz Naeem, a seasoned Maldivian divemaster, stated that the dive violated established safety rules and was inappropriate for the vessel's certification.
- ▪Neither the Italian tour company Albatros nor the University of Genoa authorized the cave dive, which was part of a scientific mission to study climate change impacts.
- ▪Only one body, that of instructor Gianluca Benedetti, has been recovered; the recovery effort claimed the life of a Maldivian Coast Guard diver.
- ▪The Duke of York, the live-aboard yacht involved, had its license suspended as investigations continue by Maldivian and Italian authorities.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
World News Veteran Maldivian diver alleges Italian scuba divers weren’t authorized to dive cave: ‘everyone knows the rules were broken’ By Gabrielle Fahmy Published May 16, 2026, 6:25 p.m. ET A veteran Maldivian diver alleges the five Italians who died trapped in a deep underwater cave didn’t have the required government authorization to undertake such a perilous dive, and would still be alive today if the rules had been followed. A group of five Italian scuba divers died exploring the Alimathaa cave in the Vaavu Atoll Thursday, at a depth of about 160 feet, according to Italy’s Foreign Ministry.
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