Three expert Finnish divers arrive in Maldives to assist in search for missing Italian divers
A team of expert divers from Finland has arrived in the Maldives to resume the search for missing tourists in Vaavu Atoll, an operation previously suspended following the tragic death of an MNDF diver. As Italian prosecutors launch an independent investigation into the disappearance, Maldivian authorities are examining potential regulatory negligence within the diving sector. Meanwhile, public pressure is mounting for a transparent inquiry into whether negligence played a role in the death of Sergeant Mahudhee during the initial search efforts.
MNDF has been conducting a maritime search and rescue operation to locate the missing divers. However, the operation has been temporarily suspended following the death of an MNDF officer. | MNDF
Three expert divers from Finland have arrived in the Maldives to assist in the search for four Italian tourists who went missing while scuba diving in Vaavu Atoll.
Government spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundu) has confirmed the matter to several media outlets.
RaajjeMV has learned that three expert divers from Finland met with officials from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) on Sunday morning.
Reports indicate that this team was established following consultations between the governments of the United Kingdom, Australia, and Italy.
Three expert divers from Finland have arrived in the Maldives, as Italian prosecutors launched an independent investigation into the incident on Friday, November 15.
Maldivian authorities are investigating whether weather warnings and diving safety regulations were ignored prior to the incident that occurred near V. Alimatha last Thursday, November 14. While four of the five missing individuals remain unaccounted for, divers have searched two sections of an underwater cave located at a depth of 200 feet. This depth is twice the 100-foot limit legally permitted for recreational diving in the Maldives.
An experienced MNDF diver tragically lost his life on Saturday, November 16, during the expanded search operation conducted by the military. The operation has since been suspended following the death of Sergeant First Class Mohamed Mahudhee.
In the wake of this incident, many are calling for an investigation on social media to determine if there was any negligence involved in Mahdhee's death.
