The group had set off on a diving expedition on Thursday morning to discover the Vaavu Atoll.
Monica Montefalcone was one of many divers who died (Picture: /)
The 5 scuba divers who died whereas exploring underwater caves within the Maldives have been named. The group, from Italy, had set off on a diving expedition on Thursday morning.
It has been confirmed they died whereas exploring the underwater caves, at a depth of round 50 metres, within the Vaavu Atoll. One of many victims has been named by Italian media as Monica Montefalcone, 51, a marine biologist, TV persona and professor of Tropical Marine Ecology and Underwater Science on the College of Genoa.
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Her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, 20, additionally died. The opposite three victims have been named as Muriel Oddenino of Turin, Gianluca Benedetti of Padua and Federico Gualtieri of Borgomanero.
Giorgia Sommacal additionally died within the incident (Picture: -)
Italy’s international ministry confirmed the deaths however gave no additional particulars on the reason for the incident. They added that an investigation is below method whereas the victims’ households have been contacted.
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In an announcement posted on X, the College of Genoa expressed its “deepest condolences” following the deaths.
Muriel Oddenino was among the many divers (Picture: -)
Gianluca Benedetti was a diving teacher (Picture: -)
The divers had been reported lacking by the crew of a diving vessel they had been travelling on after failing to resurface at round 1.45pm. A search operation was launched by the Maldivian Coast Guard and the Maldives Nationwide Protection Power (MNDF) earlier than a physique was found.
The MNDF stated in an announcement: “A physique has been discovered among the many 5 divers who dived in Vaavu Atoll. The physique was discovered inside a cave. The opposite 4 divers are believed to be inside the identical cave, which extends to a depth of roughly 60m.”
Native media stories recommend poor climate might have impacted the visibility of the divers. They added that one of many divers might have develop into caught which prompted the others to attempt to rescue them.
Federico Gualtieri has additionally been recognized as one of many victims (Picture: /)
The Maldives is taken into account one of many prime scuba diving locations on the planet. It’s recognized for its clear waters and plentiful marine life, providing alternatives to see a variety of sharks and manta rays all year long.
The Vaavu Atoll, dubbed a “hidden paradise” for diving, ans is standard for its plentiful sharks. It is usually well-known for its night time dives and is dwelling to the most important unbroken barrier reef within the Maldives.
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