Divers killed in Maldives cave may have taken wrong tunnel, recovery firm CEO says: "No way out"
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Five Italian divers died in the Maldives after apparently entering a wrong tunnel in an underwater cave about 165 feet deep, according to the CEO of the recovery company.
- The divers were found in a dead-end corridor inside the cave, likely mistaking it for the correct exit, which made their escape difficult given their limited air supply.
- The group included scientists on a climate change mission and a diving instructor, with a Maldivian military diver also dying during the search.
- Authorities are investigating why the divers exceeded the Maldives' permitted tourist diving depth of 30 meters, as they reportedly descended to 60 meters.
- The incident is considered the worst diving accident in Maldives history, highlighting the risks of cave diving and the country's record of marine-related tourist fatalities.