The Chief Spokesperson of the Government, Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu), stated today that an investigation will be conducted to find out the reason why a group of tourists who went missing while diving dived deeper than the depth permitted for recreational diving.
The police were reported about the 5 Italian tourists going missing while diving near V. Alimathaa yesterday afternoon around 1:45 PM. The deceased body of the first person among them was found yesterday after sunset. However, the bodies of the remaining four people have not been found so far.
In an interview Shareef gave to AFP News Agency, he stated that the relevant authorities have now identified the area that needs to be searched to find the missing individuals.
He also stated that the work will resume as soon as the weather improves, and it is believed that they are trapped inside a cave located at a depth of approximately 60 meters (196 feet).
"Due to the weather conditions, this is not the most suitable time for diving. The sea is very rough. The Coast Guard's largest vessel has now been dispatched to the area. Additionally, Italian diplomats are also currently active in that area," Shareef said.
In the Maldives, recreational diving is permitted to a maximum depth of 30 meters. Diving deeper than that is not permitted.
Shareef stated that a separate investigation will be carried out to find out the reason why they went deeper than the designated depth. However, he stated that the highest priority at the moment is given to the work of rescuing them.
Citing a brief statement issued by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the incident, AFP News Agency stated that all five individuals have died. The statement noted that they died while exploring caves located at a depth of 50 meters (164 feet).
The MNDF stated yesterday that the body of the person found so far was discovered inside a cave at a depth of approximately 60 meters (197 feet). It also stated that the remaining four divers are estimated to be inside that cave, which is approximately 200 feet in length.
The MNDF stated that since this is a very dangerous, high-risk operation, additional divers from the MNDF Coast Guard and required special equipment were dispatched to the area sometime last night.
While the operation is being conducted, the MNDF Coast Guard's largest vessel, Coast Guard Ghazee, is also active in the area.
According to Shareef, the Ambassador designated from Italy to the Maldives is also onboard that vessel. Furthermore, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu also visited the area this afternoon and observed the work.
