Body discovered inside a cave at a depth of 60 meters; remaining four divers are also believed to be inside same cave: MNDF
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has launched an extensive search and rescue operation for four divers missing in Vaavu Atoll after the body of one individual from the group of five was discovered in a cave at a depth of 60 meters. Following the initial report this afternoon, the Coast Guard initiated a coordinated sea and air search, deploying the Coast Guard Ship Ghazi along with specialized divers and additional resources to manage the high-risk operation.
An underwater cave: According to information released by the MNDF, the cave where the diver's body was discovered measures approximately 200 feet in length. | Divenet
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has revealed that the body of one of the five divers who went missing in Vaavu Atoll was discovered inside a cave at a depth of approximately 60 meters.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that the Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received the report of the incident today at approximately 1:45 p.m. Following the report, the MNDF launched a search operation by both sea and air to locate the missing individuals. The MNDF further noted that they are receiving assistance in this operation from a safari vessel, the Vaavu Atoll Police Station, and Alimatha Resort.
Authorities are searching for five Italian nationals who went missing during a diving excursion from a safari vessel in Vaavu Atoll on Thursday. According to reports, the missing group consists of four members of the same family and their diving instructor.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has confirmed that the body of one of the missing individuals was discovered by safari divers involved in the search operation at approximately 6:13 p.m. on Thursday. The deceased has since been transported to the Health Centre in V. Fulidhoo.
According to the MNDF, the body was discovered inside a cave measuring approximately 200 feet in length. Authorities now believe the remaining four divers are also located within the same cave. The MNDF further stated that due to the high-risk nature of the operation, additional Coast Guard divers and specialized equipment have been deployed to the area.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that the Coast Guard Ship *Ghaazee* will remain active in the area until the ongoing search and rescue operation is concluded.
