The group of Italian holiday-makers had been attempting to explore underwater caves in the Indian Ocean when they failed to resurface in bad weather conditions
Five Italians have tragically lost their lives while scuba diving in the Maldives. The incident unfolded in Vaavu Atoll, where the group had been attempting to explore underwater caves at a depth of around 165 feet, Italy’s foreign ministry confirmed on Thursday.
The ministry did not disclose any details about the identities of the victims or the precise cause of the incident. As per Maldivian news outlet The Edition, the group were holidaymakers and had been aboard the Duke of York liveaboard diving vessel.
The outlet reports that the group vanished during a dive near Alimathaa. They had entered the water in the morning and were reported missing by crew after failing to resurface by midday.
Weather conditions at the dive site were reportedly poor at the time of the incident, reports the Mirror.
The ministry stated that an investigation had been initiated by Maldivian authorities. It added that the Italian Embassy in Sri Lanka is liaising with the victims’ families to provide consular assistance. One of the victims is believed to be a researcher from Genoa, according to Il Sole 24 Ore.
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