MNDF Diver Dies During Search for Missing Italian Divers in Vaavu Atoll

A Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) officer has died while taking part in a search and rescue operation for missing Italian divers in Vaavu Atoll. The deceased has been identified as Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahdhee.

According to the MNDF, Mahdhee’s condition deteriorated while he was diving earlier today as part of the ongoing operation. He was taken to ADK Hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his condition. Authorities noted that Mahdhee had been actively involved in the mission and was among those who briefed President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his visit to the area on Friday.

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ފެލިދެއަތޮޅުގައި ފީނަން ދިޔަ ޑައިވަރުންގެ ތެރެއިން ގެއްލުނު ހަތަރު ޑައިވަރު ހޯދުމަށް، އެމްއެންޑީއެފުން ކުރިއަށްގެންދާ، ސާޗް އެންޑް ރެސްކިއު އޮޕަރޭޝަނުގައި މިއަދު ޑައިވްކުރަނިކޮށް ހާލުދެރަވި، އެމްއެންޑީއެފްގެ ސްޓާފް ސާޖަންޓް މުޙައްމަދު މަހުދީ ނިޔާވެއްޖެ. pic.twitter.com/34prlbxEi9— Maldives National Defence Force (@MNDF_Official) May 16, 2026

The search operation began on Thursday after the Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received a report at approximately 1:45 p.m. that five Italian divers had gone missing after entering the water from a safari vessel in Vaavu Atoll. The MNDF launched a coordinated search effort by sea and air.

Of the five individuals, one diving instructor has been found dead. The body was discovered outside a cave at a depth of around 60 metres by divers assisting in the operation. Authorities believe the remaining four divers are inside the cave, which is estimated to be approximately 200 feet in length.

Officials noted that the dive site exceeds the permitted recreational diving limit of 30 metres in the Maldives. The cave is believed to begin at a depth of 45 metres and extend to around 60 metres, requiring specialised equipment for access.

The Ministry of Tourism has suspended the operating permit of the safari vessel involved, citing the seriousness of the incident and the need to facilitate investigations. The ministry also extended condolences to the families of those affected and acknowledged the efforts of personnel engaged in the rescue mission.

In a statement, the ministry stressed that maintaining the Maldives as a safe tourism destination is a shared responsibility and urged operators to strictly adhere to safety regulations. The MNDF Coast Guard confirmed that the high-risk search operation for the remaining divers is ongoing.