Rescuers locate 4 Italian divers’ bodies in Maldives underwater cave system
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Rescuers found the bodies of four Italian divers deep inside an underwater cave in the Maldives, just days after the group disappeared during a dangerous dive well beyond the limits of recreation, Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.
Authorities said Finnish cave diving experts found the bodies in the innermost part of the cave system on Vaavu Atoll, where divers disappeared on Thursday while exploring at a depth of about 50 meters. The recreational diving limit in the Maldives is 38 metres.
Maldives government spokesman Ahmed Shaam said: “As previously thought, the four bodies were found inside the cave, not just inside the cave, but also in the third part of the cave, which is the largest part.” he said, adding that the victims were found “pretty much together.”
The Thinwana Kandu cave system where the bodies were found is known locally as the “shark cave”.
RESCUE OPERATION released the injured person who was trapped 130 METERS IN THE ITALIAN CAVE
Monica Montefalcone, one of five Italian scuba divers who died while exploring an underwater cave near Alimathaa in the Maldives archipelago, is shown in this undated photo published by Greenpeace Italy on May 15, 2026. (Greenpeace Italy/AP)
Rescuers plan to retrieve two bodies on Tuesday and the remaining two the next day, authorities said.
The discovery comes after authorities restarted the search following the death of a Maldivian military diver who was involved in the rescue mission. Mohamed Mehdi died of decompression sickness after trying to reach stranded divers on Saturday.
Maldivian National Defense Force member Mohamed Mehdi died of decompression sickness during the dangerous mission, officials said. (Maldives National Defense Force)
A fifth Italian diver, previously identified as a diving instructor, was previously found dead outside the cave.
Bagpiper Died While Playing Popular Holiday Attraction BEFORE HIS MISSING SON WAS FOUND IN HIS BACKYARD TREEHOUSE
The expert Finnish team used advanced closed-circuit breathing systems that allowed longer and deeper dives in the closed environment of the cave.
Divers prepare to search for four missing Italian divers near Alimathaa Island in Vaavu Atoll, Maldives, on May 15, 2026. (Media Section of the President of the Maldives/AP)
Rough seas and dangerous underwater conditions repeatedly delayed the search as teams mapped and marked the cave entrance before delving deeper into the cave.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Authorities continue to investigate the situation and what led to the divers’ deaths.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
