Tragic Deaths of Five Divers in Maldives Cave Dive: Investigation Underway
An incident involving a group of divers in the Maldives has led to the tragic deaths of five individuals, prompting a search operation that was suspended late Friday due to adverse weather conditions. The divers were reportedly exploring underwater caves in the Vaavu Atoll when the incident occurred.
Carlo Sommacal, who lost both his wife, Monica Montefalcone, and daughter, Giorgia Sommacal, in this tragedy, expressed his belief that an unforeseen event must have taken place, dismissing any notion of recklessness on their part. He noted that his wife was a disciplined diver who meticulously assessed risks before each dive. Sommacal recalled her often stating, “This one I can do, you can’t,” emphasizing her experience and caution.
Search Temporarily Abandoned
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani addressed the situation a day after the body of a fifth diver was recovered on Thursday. He confirmed that despite the challenging weather, efforts would continue to bring the victims home. The cause of the deaths remains under investigation, and the recovery operation is anticipated to resume on Saturday.
“Unfortunately, the searches are suspended due to bad weather, but we will do everything possible to recover the bodies of our compatriots,” Tajani stated during a political event in Italy.
Monica Montefalcone, one of the five Italian scuba divers who died near Alimathaa in the Maldives archipelago while exploring an underwater cave, is seen in this undated handout picture released by Greenpeace Italia on Friday, May 15, 2026. (AP)
Attempt to Explore Caves
According to the Italian Foreign Ministry, the dive group “apparently died while attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 meters (164 feet)” in the Vaavu Atoll on Thursday. The victims have been identified as Monica Montefalcone, an associate professor of ecology at the University of Genoa; her daughter, Giorgia Sommacal; marine biologist Federico Gualtieri; researcher Muriel Oddenino; and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti. The body of Benedetti was recovered on Thursday.
A Technical and Dangerous Activity
Cave diving is recognized as a highly technical and hazardous endeavor that necessitates specialized training, equipment, and strict adherence to safety protocols. The risks significantly increase in overhead environments and at greater depths, especially when conditions worsen. Experts indicate that divers can easily become disoriented or lost within caves, particularly as sediment can drastically reduce visibility.
Diving at a depth of 50 meters exceeds the maximum recommended limit for recreational divers set by most major scuba certification agencies. Depths beyond 40 meters are classified as technical diving, requiring specialized training and equipment. The recreational diving limit in the Maldives is 30 meters.
Monica, a 2004 Tsunami Survivor
Sommacal shared that his wife had previously survived the 2004 tsunami while diving off the coast of Kenya, resurfacing alongside other experienced divers despite the perilous circumstances. After a lengthy recovery from serious health complications, she returned to diving. “She had two lives – one on land and one in her environment, the water,” he remarked.
Maldivian presidential spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef reported that eight divers participated in Friday’s search, working in pairs to explore the depths and create a map for the continuation of the mission on Saturday. He noted that Benedetti’s body was located near the cave’s entrance, leading authorities to believe the remaining four divers had entered the cave.
Two Italians, a deep-sea rescue expert and a cave diving expert, are expected to join the recovery efforts, as confirmed by Shareef. Italian officials indicated that approximately 20 other Italians who were part of the same expedition aboard the vessel “Duke of York” are safe. The Italian embassy in Colombo is providing assistance to those on board and has contacted the Red Crescent, which has offered to deploy volunteers for psychological support.
The vessel was seeking safe harbor from the inclement weather and was waiting for conditions to improve before returning to Male, according to the Italian ministry.
Passion for Marine Protection
Greenpeace Italia paid tribute to Montefalcone, recognizing her as a passionate advocate for marine protection. The organization expressed that it would miss “her professionalism and her advice immensely” and noted “that special light she had in her eyes when she spoke about the wonders of the sea and the importance of protecting them.”
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology extended condolences to all victims, highlighting Montefalcone’s significant contributions to marine environmental studies and protection.
The Italian ministry is coordinating with Divers Alert Network, a specialist diving organization, to support recovery operations and the repatriation of the bodies. The cave entered by the five divers consists of three large chambers connected by narrow passages. Recovery teams have explored two of the chambers, but the search has been limited due to oxygen and decompression considerations. The ministry confirmed that the third chamber will be explored on Saturday.
Italian officials and the honorary consul are in contact with the victims’ families to provide necessary assistance.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-05-16 10:37:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk