The search operation for four missing Italian divers in Vaavu Atoll has been suspended following the death of an MNDF officer involved in the rescue effort.

President’s Office Chief Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) said the Coast Guard had deployed specially trained personnel for the operation, but the mission was halted after Coast Guard Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhy died during the search today. 

He said operations are expected to resume once an experienced team of divers arranged by the Italian government arrives in the Maldives tomorrow morning.

The team is expected to coordinate with MNDF before continuing the operation.

According to Mundhu, the search effort has been entrusted to an Italian company called DAN, while three Finnish cave divers with technical expertise are also expected to join the mission.

“The divers will come with technical equipment,” he said. 

He added that the British, Australian and United States governments had also offered assistance, with the United Kingdom and Australia expected to provide technical support for the operation.

The divers went missing while diving from the safari vessel MV Duke of York. The group included four Italian tourists and the safari’s diving instructor. One body has since been recovered, while the remaining four are still missing.

MNDF said the body was discovered inside a cave at a depth of about 60 metres (197 feet). Authorities believe the other missing divers may also be inside the cave, which is estimated to stretch around 200 feet.

The legal maximum diving depth permitted in Maldives is 30 metres.