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Five Italians die during cave dive in Maldives
Five Italian divers died during a cave dive at Vaavu Atoll in the Maldives. The Maldives military reported one body found in a cave about 60 metres underwater and said the other four divers were believed to be there; a high-risk search operation is underway.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights the dangers of deep cave diving and the challenges of search-and-rescue operations in remote locations.
Timeline
5 Events
University of Genoa identifies victims as professor, daughter, and two researchers
May 14, 2026
The University of Genoa later said the victims included a marine biology professor, her daughter and two young researchers.
Maldives military reports a body found in cave; search for others ongoing
May 14, 2026
The Maldives' military said one body had been found in a cave about 60 metres underwater, and the other four divers were believed to be there. Divers with special equipment had been sent to the area, and the search operation was described as a very high risk.
Five Italian divers enter water off Vaavu Atoll for cave exploration; reported missing after failing to resurface
May 7, 2026
On Thursday morning, five Italian divers entered the water off Vaavu Atoll to explore underwater caves at a depth of about 50 metres (164 ft). The crew of the diving vessel reported them missing after they failed to resurface.
Earlier incident: British diver drowns off Ellaidhoo; husband dies days later
December 2025
Last December, an experienced British female diver drowned in a scuba incident off the island resort of Ellaidhoo. Her husband died five days later after falling ill.
Earlier incident: Japanese lawmaker dies while snorkelling in Lhaviyani Atoll
2024
In 2024, a Japanese lawmaker died while snorkelling in Lhaviyani Atoll.