MNDF, Police and Resort Staff Join Search for Missing Italian Divers

Five Italian divers who went diving in Vaavu Atoll have gone missing, prompting the Maldives National Defence Force o launch a special rescue operation.

According to the MNDF, the incident was reported to the Coast Guard’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) yesterday at 1:45 p.m.

The MNDF said search efforts are currently underway by both sea and air. A safari vessel, officers from the Vaavu Atoll Police Station, and staff from Alimatha Resort are assisting in the operation.

Of the five missing divers, the body of one diver was discovered yesterday at 6:13 p.m. The body was found approximately 60 meters underwater, outside a cave. It was located by divers from the safari vessel involved in the search operation.

The MNDF believes the remaining four divers may still be inside the cave, which is estimated to be around 200 feet deep. The first search dive has now been completed. During the dive, rescuers located the entrance to the cave and descended further using guide balloons to inspect the area. Preparations are currently underway for a second dive.

The MNDF described the mission as a very dangerous, “high-risk” operation. While the Coast Guard ship Ghazi is active in the area, the Italian ambassador based in Sri Lanka is also on board the vessel alongside MNDF officials.

Search efforts are being complicated by rough weather conditions across the Maldives, but the MNDF says the operation is continuing without interruption.