The search for the bodies of five Italian divers who perished in the Maldives continues. Reports indicate that the divers were attempting to explore underwater caves at a depth of 50 metres when the incident occurred.
Italy's foreign ministry has confirmed the deaths of all five nationals involved in this tragic diving accident. The Maldivian National Defense Force is actively engaged in the search efforts.
In a related development, a rescuer has reportedly died while participating in the search operations, highlighting the dangers faced by those involved in the recovery efforts.
Updates
Update at 13:24 UTC on 2026-05-16
BBC World reported Staff Sgt Mohamed Mahdhee died while diving in the search-and-rescue operation, the Maldives government tells the BBC.
Sources: BBC World
Update at 23:32 UTC on 2026-05-16
Le Monde reported Italy's foreign ministry confirmed on Thursday that all five of its nationals had died in the diving disaster. The Maldivian National Defense Force (MNDF) said that Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhy was in 'critical condition' after being take.
Sources: Le Monde