Maldives has broken the world record for the most number of people simultaneously free-diving.

As part of the World Tourism Day 2019 celebrations which began on 26 September, the Ministry of Tourism organized the free-diving event titled "Neyvaa" -translated; breath- which in the end led to a successful world record with over 500 free-divers.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih participated in the free-diving event on Tuesday, with 520 free-divers.

While it was inaugurated at the lagoon area of Baros Maldives, the President joined the free-dive by staying underwater for about 30 seconds.

“Neyvaa” was declared as a new world record by officials of the Guinness, who presented Solih with the official world record certificate.

The event was the country’s attempt to break the world record previously set by ‘La Scuola del Mare 2’ - Verona, in Torri del Benaco, Verona.

The world record was set by Verona for the most people free-diving simultaneously in October 2009, with 280 people.

Free-diving world champion William Trubridge also participated in the event, he holds two consecutive world records.