Five Italian divers die in Maldives incident, raising specialist travel risk focus

Five Italian nationals have died following a scuba diving accident in the Maldives, Italy’s foreign ministry has confirmed.

The incident took place in Vaavu Atoll, where the group was reportedly exploring underwater caves at depths of around 50 metres (165ft). An investigation is underway into the circumstances of the accident.

Authorities in the Maldives said the divers failed to resurface after entering the water on Thursday morning, prompting a search operation in difficult conditions.

The Italian foreign ministry said its embassy in Sri Lanka is providing consular support and assisting families.

Four of the victims were reportedly linked to the University of Genoa, including ecology professor Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, research fellow Muriel Oddenino and marine biology graduate Federico Gualtieri.

The fifth individual who died has been identified in local reporting as Gianluca Benedetti, who was understood to have been supporting the expedition in a diving operations role.

While details remain limited, the case highlights the ongoing exposure faced by travel insurers and assistance providers in managing claims linked to high-risk leisure and expedition activities, particularly in remote locations.

Diving incidents of this nature can quickly escalate into complex international assistance cases, requiring coordination across local emergency services, specialist medical teams, and cross-border repatriation pathways – often from jurisdictions with limited hyperbaric or critical care infrastructure.

The Maldives military said one body had been recovered from a cave approximately 60 metres underwater, while specialist divers were continuing recovery efforts for the remaining victims.

Local authorities also confirmed rough sea conditions in the area at the time of the incident, with weather warnings issued for boats and fishermen.