The final recovery mission following the deaths of five Italian tourists and one recovery diver in the Maldives is continuing today, May 21, as divers return to the site to retrieve equipment left behind during the operation.
The deaths of five Italian divers in a scuba diving accident last Thursday in Vaavu Atoll shocked the world. University of Genoa marine biology professor Monica Montefalcone, her 20-year-old daughter Giorgia Sommacal, Muriel Oddenino, Gianluca Benedetti, and Federico Gualtieri all died in the tragedy. Sergeant Major Mohammed Mahudhee also lost his life during the search operation.
According to reports, the accident is believed to be the deadliest single diving incident in Maldives history. Various experts have weighed in on what they believe may have happened, with theories ranging from oxygen toxicity to panic inside the underwater cave system.
Officials told the BBC that the Italians were found inside a 97-foot-deep cave by a joint team of advanced Finnish and Maldivian divers. Authorities also confirmed that four of the victims were found inside what has been described as a “shark cave.”
As the bodies were recovered, Laura Marroni, CEO of DAN Europe, said: “Today’s result is the outcome of extraordinary preparation, technical excellence, and exceptional teamwork,” according to VT.
“We are deeply grateful to the specialists on site, who are operating with professionalism, discipline, and humanity in demanding environments.”
Final recovery mission in the Maldives after scuba dive tragedy
In a statement released on May 20, DAN confirmed that “the international search & recovery mission coordinated in support of Maldivian and Italian authorities has successfully completed the recovery of all victims involved in the Dhekunu Kandu diving tragedy.”
The organization also confirmed that while the main recovery phase has been completed, the mission is not yet fully over.
“Tomorrow (May 21), the team is expected to conduct what will likely be the final operational dive of the mission. In accordance with best practices, the divers will return to the site to remove guide lines and operational equipment placed inside the cave system during the recovery efforts, restoring the environment and removing traces of human intervention wherever possible. Given the ongoing investigation, this phase also carries additional importance.”
Finnish rescue team members Sami Paakkarinen, Jenni Westerlund, and Patrik Grönqvist also released a statement following the operation.
“First of all, we would like to express our deepest condolences to the families of the divers who lost their lives. The reason we responded to the request for help was our desire to assist in this heartbreaking situation. After three days of operations, all of the missing divers have now been recovered and are on their way home.”
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