Diver dispute recorded 15 meters underwater in Maldives

A physical altercation between two divers occurred at a depth of approximately 15 meters at the Kuda Rah Thila diving site in the Maldives. The incident, which gained significant attention after being recorded on video, involved Chinese diving instructor Xiao Dou and a local diver. The footage shows the men struggling underwater, with one participant attempting to remove the other's diving mask, an act posing a severe risk of drowning.

Xiao Dou alleged that the confrontation began when a group of three divers approached him and his companion, with one individual pushing him and hitting him with diving fins. Conversely, public commentary on social media suggests that Dou displayed aggressive behavior toward other divers prior to the physical escalation. The dispute highlights concerns regarding overcrowding at popular diving destinations in the Maldives.

This incident follows broader safety concerns in the region, particularly after a fatal accident in May 2026 involving five experienced Italian divers and a local rescuer who perished in an underwater cave in the Vaavu Atoll. Authorities have not yet announced specific legal actions regarding the underwater altercation, as the situation remains under public scrutiny following the circulation of the video.