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“The remains of 4 Italian divers who died heavy wrong an underwater cave earlier this period portion diving successful the Maldives were repatriated aboriginal Saturday (May 23, 2026),” a Maldivian authorities spokesperson said.
Five Italian divers went missing connected May 14 portion exploring the cave astir 50 metres (160 feet) successful Vaavu Atoll. The assemblage of their Italian diving teacher was recovered extracurricular the cave astatine the clip and returned home.
A high-risk cognition to retrieve the bodies faced hurdles and was initially suspended aft Mohamed Mahudhee, Madlivian, a Military diver who was portion of the betterment team, was killed. Three Finnish adept cave divers joined the ngo and located the 4 bodies past week successful the innermost enclosure of the cave astatine a extent of astir 60 metres (200 feet). The recreational diving bounds successful the Maldives is 30 metres (98 feet).
Maldives President's Spokesman Mohamed Hussain Shareef said connected Saturday (May 23, 2026) 2 investigations were initiated; 1 into the decease of the 5 divers and the different probing however Mahudheea died portion connected duty. Mr. Shareef besides said Italy agreed to stock immoderate findings if autopsies were performed connected the repatriated bodies.
Government spokesperson Ahmed Shaam said earlier that the 4 bodies were recovered “pretty overmuch together.” While the divers had a permit, authorities didn't cognize from their connection the nonstop determination of the cave they were exploring, and astatine slightest 2 of the dormant were not connected the database of researchers that had been submitted, according to Maldivian authorities.
