Authorities decide to repatriate bodies of four divers to Italy
The government has decided to repatriate the bodies of four Italian divers who died while exploring a cave in Vaavu Atoll for post-mortem examinations. As authorities from both nations conduct a joint investigation, officials believe data from dive computers and cameras will clarify the circumstances of the tragedy, which also claimed the life of a Maldives National Defence Force officer during the search and recovery operation.
Efforts have commenced to recover the bodies of two out of four Italian tourists who died inside an underwater cave in Vaavu Atoll. This operation took place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. | President's Office
Authorities have decided to repatriate the body of an Italian diver who died last month while diving in Vaavu Atoll. The incident occurred on May 14 at a popular dive site known as "Devana Kandu," where the diver passed away while exploring a cave.
The individuals reported missing after failing to return from a dive on May 14 have been identified as Giorgia Somacal, daughter of Monica Montefalcone; researcher Muriel Odenino; research assistant Federico Gualtieri; and instructor Gianluca Benedetti.
Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahdy, an MNDF rescue diver, lost his life during the initial search and recovery operation. Following the incident, the bodies of two victims were recovered from the seabed on the 19th of this month. The remaining two bodies were successfully retrieved the following day, on the 20th of the month.
Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) informed RaajjeMV that the bodies of all four individuals are scheduled to be repatriated to Italy early tomorrow morning.
Shareef stated that as the host country is also investigating the matter, it has been arranged for the autopsy report to be shared with the Maldivian team upon completion. He further noted that both countries have reached this agreement as the Maldives is conducting its own parallel investigation into the case.
Italian authorities have requested access to review GoPro cameras, dive computers, and other equipment recovered alongside the victims' bodies. These items are currently held in Male' under the custody of investigative agencies.
With the aid of these devices, investigators may be able to retrieve data regarding the depth of the dive, the duration spent underwater, and the amount of gas consumed, as well as potential video footage of the incident. This information is expected to resolve the ongoing debate over whether the divers entered the cave voluntarily or were pulled in by a powerful current.
Once the bodies of the deceased are transported to Italy, autopsies are scheduled to be conducted. Furthermore, investigators hope that data retrieved from dive computers and GoPro cameras will provide a comprehensive understanding of how this tragic incident unfolded.
