President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has personally overseen the ongoing search and rescue operation in Vaavu Atoll to locate four missing Italian divers.
Upon arriving at the operation site, the President was briefed by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) on the operational plan and the search efforts carried out so far.
According to the MNDF, teams involved in the operation have been divided into groups, while the rescue team has completed its first dive as part of the mission.
Accompanying the President during the visit were Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Iruthisham Adam and Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen.
During the visit, President Muizzu extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Italy. The President assured that the Maldivian government is treating the search for the four remaining missing individuals as a top priority. He also expressed appreciation to the Italian government for the cooperation extended during the ongoing operation.
The MNDF Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received reports at approximately 13:45 on Thursday that five Italian divers had gone missing while diving in Vaavu Atoll. Search efforts by both sea and air were launched immediately with assistance from a safari vessel, the Vaavu Atoll Police Station, and Alimatha Resort.
Of the five missing divers, the body of one individual was recovered underwater at approximately 18:13 on Thursday by divers from the safari vessel assisting in the operation.
The MNDF stated that the body was found at a depth of approximately 60 metres outside a cave where the remaining four divers are believed to be located. Authorities said the cave is approximately 200 feet long and situated in an area significantly deeper than standard recreational diving locations.
According to the MNDF, the cave entrance begins at a depth of around 45 metres and reaches approximately 60 metres at its exit, requiring specialised equipment and professional diving expertise.
The first search dive has now been completed, during which divers reached the cave entrance, marked the location, and conducted an initial assessment of the area. Preparations are currently underway for a second dive as the operation continues despite adverse weather conditions.
The MNDF has described the mission as a high-risk operation, with Coast Guard Ship Ghazee remaining deployed at the scene to coordinate ongoing efforts.