Italian tourists died from oxygen depletion or drowning, preliminary findings show
Following the repatriation of the bodies of the Italian tourists who died while diving at a cave in Vaavu Atoll, Italian authorities are now investigating the incident as a case of potential negligence. While it has been agreed that post-mortem reports will be shared with Maldivian investigative agencies, efforts are also underway to analyze the diving equipment and cameras used by the victims during the fatal excursion.
The bodies of four tourists who died in a diving accident in the Maldives have been repatriated to Italy. After arriving at Milan Malpensa Airport, the remains are being transported to the mortuary of the Sant'Antonio Abate Hospital in Gallarate. | getty images
Preliminary post-mortem results indicate that the Italian tourists who died last May 14 while diving at the popular "Devana Kandu" cave site in Vaavu Atoll passed away due to oxygen depletion or drowning.
According to reports from several Italian news outlets, preliminary post-mortem results have been released for two of the five divers who perished in the incident. The findings pertain to the bodies of Monica Montefalcone, a professor at the University of Genoa, and her daughter, Giorgia Somacal.
Citing post-mortem reports, news outlets have stated that the deaths of both individuals were caused by "anoxia," resulting from their oxygen cylinders running out. Anoxia is a condition characterized by a total lack of oxygen supply to the body's tissues, often associated with drowning or suffocation.
Italian media outlets have also reported that the comprehensive post-mortem report regarding the incident is expected to be released within the next three months.
Italian authorities are currently investigating the matter as a case of manslaughter. In this regard, the Italian Prosecutor's Office has dispatched a formal request to the relevant Maldivian government agencies, seeking their assistance and cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee, an MNDF rescue diver, lost his life during the initial search and recovery operation. The bodies of two victims were recovered from the seabed on the 19th of this month. The remaining two bodies were retrieved the following day, on the 20th.
Speaking to RaajjeMV, President's Office Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) confirmed 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 post-mortem report to be shared with the Maldivian team upon completion of the procedure. He further noted that both countries have reached this agreement as the Maldives is conducting its own investigation into the case.
Italian authorities have requested permission to examine GoPro cameras, dive computers, and other equipment recovered with the bodies of the deceased. 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 settle the ongoing debate over whether the divers entered the cave voluntarily or were pulled in by a powerful current.
