Officer dies during search operation for missing Italian divers
The body of one individual has been recovered from a cave at a depth of 60 meters following the disappearance of five divers in Vaavu Atoll. The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) is currently conducting a high-risk search and rescue operation using specialized equipment, as the remaining four divers are also believed to be trapped inside the cave. This ongoing effort is being supported by the Coast Guard, the Maldives Police Service, and personnel from nearby resorts.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) is currently conducting a search and rescue operation to locate the missing divers. | MNDF
An officer of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has died during a search and rescue operation on Saturday to locate four divers reported missing in Vaavu Atoll.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) reported on Saturday that Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahdy has passed away while receiving treatment at ADK Hospital following a sudden deterioration in his health.
One body has been recovered so far following the disappearance of five divers during a diving excursion in Vaavu Atoll.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) launched a search operation by sea and air after the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received reports of missing divers at approximately 13:45 on Thursday. According to the MNDF, the search efforts are being supported by the safari vessel, officers from the Vaavu Atoll Police Station, and Alimatha Resort.
The body of one of the missing individuals was discovered underwater at approximately 18:13 on Thursday by divers from the safari vessel involved in the search operation. The body has since been transported to the Vaavu Fulidhoo Health Centre.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that the body was discovered inside a cave at a depth of approximately 60 meters. Authorities believe the remaining four divers are likely located within the same cave, which spans roughly 200 feet in length. Due to the high-risk nature of the operation, additional MNDF Coast Guard divers and specialized equipment have been dispatched to the scene.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) stated that the Coast Guard Ship *Ghaazi* will remain active in the area until the operation is concluded.
