Key facts
- Five Italian divers died in a deepwater cave in the Maldives.
- Maldivian authorities are investigating the cause of death.
- Possible factors include exceeding expected dive depths and a lack of cave diving permits.
- The group was researching soft corals at the Devana Kandu site.
- A Maldivian rescuer died during the operation to recover the bodies.
Maldivian authorities are investigating the deaths of five Italian divers in a deepwater cave, with possible factors including exceeding expected dive depths and a lack of proper permits for cave diving. The group, led by University of Genoa professor Monica Montefalcone, was reportedly researching soft corals at the Devana Kandu site. The instructor's body was recovered from a depth of 60 meters. This incident is the deadliest in the country's diving history. Officials stated they were unaware the activity involved cave diving, which has distinct risks and requires specialized training and equipment, such as Trimix blends, as opposed to the 30-meter recreational limit in the Maldives. Oxygen toxicity is a concern at depths beyond 55 meters when using compressed air. The boat operator stated the vessel had permission for recreational dives up to 30 meters. The University of Genoa clarified that the diving activity was personal and not part of the official scientific mission, and that Montefalcone's daughter and another researcher were not part of the mission. A Maldivian rescuer also died during the difficult recovery operation.