British couple killed in scuba diving accident in popular tourist hotspot | World | News
A retired British couple, both experienced divers, died in a scuba diving accident while on holiday in the Maldives. Alaine Richmond, 70, died while swimming off the remote island of Ellaidhoo on December 19. Her husband, 71-year-old Malcolm, died in hospital three days later.
According to funeral directors in the Derbyshire village of Inkersall, where the couple lived, they appear to have had an “accident” while diving. However, it is not yet known how the couple died and few more details have emerged.
Simon Hope, one of Stubbins and Hope’s funeral directors, said: Daily Mail He stated that there was no criminal or suspicious circumstances regarding the deaths. The inquest into the deaths is expected to open at Chesterfield coroner’s court on January 30.
Mr Hope said the couple had no children but their next of kin, a nephew and niece living near Manchester, had been notified.
A post on the funeral director’s website reads: “Elaine and Malcolm Richmond, from Inkersall, tragically passed away just days apart at Christmas.
“Anyone who knows them can join [the funeral] and we celebrate their lives.
“Any donations received will be given to Ashgate Hospice.”
The Richmond family had visited the resort where they died 60 times and had celebrated Christmas there for the past 17 years. Located in the North Ari Atoll, 26 miles west of the capital Malé, the island of Ellaidhoo can only be reached by seaplane or boat. It has a four-star resort with bungalows that provide direct access to the ocean. It is famous for its beautiful house reefs full of fish and corals, directly accessible from the island.
Tour groups encourage visitors to “dive into a world of wonder”, with one stating: “You won’t regret visiting the underwater guests at Ellaidhoo Maldives.”
A tribute posted on a Facebook group read: “With the deepest sadness and sadness we would like to inform you that two of the most valued members of the Ellaidhoo group, Elaine and Malcom Richmond, have sadly passed away while in the Maldives over the Christmas holiday period.
“They were members of Maldives Holidaymakers and were known to many members but were regular visitors to Ellaidhoo. “Elaine and Malcolm have visited Ellaidhoo more than 60 times, including three times in 2025, and have also been going to the island at Christmas for the last 17 years.
“They will be sadly missed by their family and the many friends they made during their visit. They were very popular with all the staff they befriended and will be greatly missed. RIP Elaine and Malcolm.”
