Five Italian scuba divers have died after becoming trapped in a deep underwater cave in the Maldives, in what authorities are calling the worst single diving accident in the country’s history.
The group disappeared on Thursday, 14 May 2026, while exploring a cave in Vaavu Atoll, around 100km south of Malé. One body was recovered at a depth of about 60 metres. The remaining four are believed to be inside the same cave, with the search suspended due to rough seas.
The University of Genoa confirmed four of the victims as professor Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, research fellow Muriel Oddenino and marine biology graduate Federico Gualtieri. Italian media identified the fifth as dive instructor Gianluca Benedetti.
Italy’s Foreign Ministry said the divers died while attempting to explore caves at a depth of around 50 metres.
