Recovery operation completed after diving tragedy in the Maldives

Five Italian divers died after an exploration incident in an underwater cave system in the Vaavu Atoll, Maldives, on May 14. The group included marine biologist Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Georgia, two researchers, and their local instructor. The instructor's body was recovered shortly after the incident, while the bodies of the remaining four were located at a depth of approximately 60 meters and recovered by a specialized team of Finnish and Maldivian divers. Authorities suggest the divers may have lost their way in the complex cave system and faced limited air supply, while investigators are also examining if they descended deeper than planned. During the rescue efforts, a Maldivian military diver also died on May 18 due to decompression sickness. Bodies of the final two victims were successfully retrieved by May 20. The Italian university involved clarified that the activity was private and not part of an official scientific mission.