Italian divers confirmed to have died after running out of oxygen

Post-mortem reports for the five Italian divers who died in a deep underwater cave in Vaavu Atoll earlier this year have confirmed that the cause of death was asphyxiation due to depleted air tanks.

The individuals reported missing during a diving excursion on May 14 have been identified as Monica Montefalcone, an ecology professor at the University of Genoa; her daughter, Giorgia Somacal; researcher Muriel Odenino; and Federico Gualtieri.

The body of Gianluca Benedetti, an Italian dive instructor and boat operations manager who was serving as their guide, was recovered later that day from the first section of the cave at a depth of approximately 55 meters.

The bodies of the remaining four divers were discovered on May 18 by a team of Finnish technical divers. They were located within a narrow, dead-end passage inside a restricted tunnel that serves as an exit point from the second section of the cave, at a depth of 60 meters.

Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahdi, a dedicated Maldivian rescue diver with the MNDF Coast Guard dive team, has passed away during the search operation for the missing divers.

The official cause of death for the five Italian divers has been identified as anoxia, or a total depletion of body oxygen. However, it remains unclear why the group ventured so deep into the underwater cave system.

In a report submitted on Friday, October 2, consultants from the Busto Arsizio Public Prosecutor's Office refuted various allegations circulating in the media regarding the incident.

Toxicology reports have revealed no traces of unusual substances in the divers' systems. These findings confirm that the air supply used was free from any toxic gases that could cause loss of consciousness and that the divers were not under the influence of any intoxicants.

Furthermore, as the post-mortem examinations revealed no signs of significant physical trauma, previous theories suggesting the individuals entered the cave to escape a shark attack have now been debunked.

Antonello Riccio, the lawyer representing the family of the late Federico Gualtieri, told the Italian newspaper La Stampa that while they have not yet reviewed the full report, preliminary findings indicate the cause of death was asphyxiation.

"Our consultants will make a final determination once they have reviewed the findings of the relevant experts. According to preliminary information, the cause of death was oxygen deprivation," the lawyer stated.

While this has effectively debunked certain theories, we remain a long way from determining what actually transpired.

Circumstances remain unclear

Numerous theories have emerged regarding why the group ventured into the second chamber of such a deep cave without adequate cave-entry training or a sufficient oxygen supply.

At the time, theories ranged from shark attacks and powerful currents to physical injuries or disorientation. However, the Finnish diving team that recovered the bodies has pointed to a much simpler cause.

The "Devana Kandu" cave system they entered features a vast cavern at a depth of 50 to 55 meters, with a narrow passage leading to a second section reaching depths of 60 to 70 meters.

After inspecting the cave, the Finnish team noted that the exit from the deepest section was concealed behind a sandbank. Consequently, it is believed that the divers mistakenly entered a narrow, dead-end passage thinking it was the way out, where they eventually ran out of air.

Many have raised questions as to why the group ventured to a depth twice the legal limit for recreational diving in the Maldives, and why they did so without a local guide.

However, unconfirmed reports suggest that divers occasionally enter the cave for brief periods, as it is known to serve as a seasonal sanctuary for sharks.

During their final diving excursion, the group utilized GoPro cameras. The footage from these devices, along with their laptops and mobile phones, is now in the custody of the relevant authorities.

"To find further answers, we must cross-reference the post-mortem findings with the data recovered from the cameras, laptops, and phones," attorney Riccio stated.

"The completion date for these forensic analyses remains uncertain. Although we have requested the return of Federico's belongings, the request has not yet been granted as the investigations are still ongoing."