Finnish Divers Rework Search for 4 Italians Lost in 50-Meter Maldives Cave
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · May 17
Finnish Divers Rework Search for 4 Italians Lost in 50-Meter Maldives Cave
13 articles · Updated · CBS New York · May 17
Three Finnish deep- and cave-diving specialists arrived Sunday to help the Maldives coastguard map a new recovery plan for four Italians still missing inside a Vaavu Atoll cave.
The search was halted after Maldivian military diver Mohamed Mahudhee died of decompression sickness following a rescue attempt; rough weather, depth and narrow passages have repeatedly limited operations.
The five Italians are believed to have died during a private dive to about 50 meters—well beyond the Maldives' 30-meter recreational limit—and one body, diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti, was recovered near the cave entrance.
Italian officials said the cave has three chambers linked by tight passages, while the tour operator said it neither knew of nor authorized the deep dive and that the group appeared to be using standard recreational gear.
The deaths remain under investigation, the Maldives has suspended the Duke of York's operating license, and Italy says it will do everything possible to bring the victims home.
Five divers broke the rules and died. Is their tour boat operator also to blame for the fatal deep-cave dive?
A rescuer has already died. Should the dangerous mission to recover the divers' bodies from the underwater cave continue?