Couple who visited Maldives 60 time passes away in the country

A married couple from the United Kingdom that has vacationed in Maldives 60 times has passed away while diving in Maldives.

A report from UK news organization Daily Mail stated yesterday that a retired couple who died last month near Ellaidhoo by Cinnamon in Alif Alif Atoll have been identified as Elaine Richmond, 70, and Malcolm Richmond, 71.

The report read that the incident occurred on 19th December, with no direct cause having been cited. The couple were found floating in the ocean; Elaine Richmond was pronounced dead at the scene, while Malcolm Richmond died on 22 December after three days of treatment in hospital.

The report added that there are no criminal or suspicious circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths. Their funerals are scheduled to be held in the UK on 29 January.

The report stated that the couple does not have any children, with a niece standing to inherit their possessions as next of kin.

Daily Mail's report reads that the couple had gone to Eillaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon 60 times, with them having travelled to Maldives three times last year alone. The report also read that they have celebrated Christmas at the resort for the last 17 years.

The Facebook group Maldives Holidaymakers expressed condolences in a post, saying it was deeply saddened by the deaths of Elaine and Malcolm Richmond, who had been vacationing in the Maldives over the Christmas break. The post added that many members of the group knew the couple as frequent visitors to Ellaidhoo by Cinnamon.