MALE, Maldives — Rescue operations resumed Friday in the Maldives as authorities continue dangerous underwater searches for four Italian divers who perished in a tragic cave diving incident.
Officials recovered one victim’s body on Thursday following the deadly accident that claimed five lives.
The group of divers, which included an instructor, was reportedly investigating the underwater cave system when they disappeared, according to Maldivian presidential spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef.
“The cave is so deep that divers even with the best equipment do not try to approach,” he said.
Italy’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the five divers “apparently died while attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 meters (164 feet)” in the Vaavu Atoll on Thursday. The ministry noted that investigators are still examining what led to their deaths.
Emergency responders mobilized extensive rescue resources following Thursday’s incident, sending out watercraft, aerial support and specialized diving crews to comb the region.
Recovery teams pulled one victim from approximately 60 meters (200 feet) underwater on Thursday, while initial search efforts could not find the other four divers, believed to remain within the cave structure, Maldivian officials reported.
Dive teams prepared for another attempt Friday, with Maldivian officials maintaining communication with Italian representatives. Italy’s ambassador joined the search vessel operations, and the Maldives indicated they might request international help if necessary.
The Italian foreign ministry offered no updates on body recovery efforts. Officials confirmed an Italian specialist was working alongside coast guard and Maldivian vessels during Friday’s search mission.
Authorities planned an assessment dive to determine cave accessibility, though challenging weather could hamper recovery efforts.
The diving party had embarked on their morning expedition near Alimathaa, with their disappearance reported when they failed to return to the surface by Thursday afternoon, early accounts indicated. Weather was reportedly poor during the incident, with a yellow alert status active.
The Italian Embassy maintained contact with bereaved families while offering support services.
