A Maldivian military diver has died while searching for the bodies of four Italian divers

Key Points:

• A Maldivian military diver died from decompression sickness while searching for four missing Italian divers believed to be trapped in an underwater cave at about 50 meters depth in Vaavu Atoll, Maldives.
• The Italian divers, including scientists and a diving instructor, were involved in a private cave diving activity exceeding the recommended recreational diving limit when the accident occurred.
• Recovery efforts have been hampered by rough weather, and specialized Italian rescue experts are expected to join the search, which is exploring multiple chambers of the cave with oxygen and decompression constraints.
• The Maldivian government has suspended the operating license of the expedition vessel "Duke of York" pending investigation, while Italy is coordinating with specialist organizations to support recovery and repatriation.
• The Italian embassy is assisting the remaining expedition members and victims' families, with psychological aid being offered to survivors onboard the vessel.