Authorities investigate the deadliest scuba incident in Maldives history involving a mother and daughter
Category: Health
Five Italian tourists tragically lost their lives during a scuba-diving excursion in the Maldives on May 14, 2026, marking the deadliest single incident in the country’s history of recreational scuba activities. The divers, who were exploring underwater caves at a depth of approximately 55 meters in Vaavu Atoll, were reported missing when they failed to resurface from their deep-sea adventure.
The victims included Monica Montefalcone, a 51-year-old associate professor of ecology at the University of Genoa, and her 20-year-old daughter, Giorgia Sommacal, who was studying biomedical engineering. Also among the deceased were Muriel Oddenino, a research assistant in Montefalcone’s department, and Federico Gualtieri, a recent marine biology graduate who had worked on coral research under Montefalcone’s supervision. The fifth diver, Gianluca Benedetti, was a seasoned instructor and operations manager for the Duke of York liveaboard vessel from which the group embarked on their ill-fated trip.
This tragic event unfolded after the divers boarded the Duke of York yacht on Thursday morning, with the alarm raised at 1:45 PM local time when they did not return. The Maldivian authorities swiftly initiated a search operation involving boats and aerial support. By 6:13 PM, one body was recovered from a cave system, but the other four divers remain missing, believed to be within the same underwater cave.
As investigations continue, experts have suggested that oxygen toxicity and panic may have played roles in the divers' deaths. Pulmonologist Claudio Micheletto noted that "it's likely that something went wrong with the tanks" during the excursion, which reached depths of 160 feet. He explained that death from oxygen toxicity, or hyperoxia, is among the most severe outcomes a diver can face. "When you breathe in too high a concentration of oxygen, the gas becomes toxic to the body," he stated. Symptoms such as dizziness and altered consciousness can occur, hindering the diver's ability to surface safely.
Alfonso Bolognini, president of the Italian Society of Underwater and Hyperbaric Medicine, added that panic could have exacerbated the situation. “Inside a cave at a depth of 50 meters, all it takes is a problem for a diver or a panic attack for a diver,” he explained. He emphasized that agitation can cloud visibility, leading to potentially fatal mistakes. Meanwhile, the Maldivian authorities have described this incident as the worst single-diving tragedy in the nation’s history.
The conditions on the day of the incident also raised concerns. A yellow weather warning had been issued due to rough seas and strong winds, which reportedly complicated the search efforts for the missing divers. The Duke of York liveaboard is known to cater to both technical and recreational divers, and the cave system they explored is known for its challenging conditions.
The University of Genoa expressed its deep sorrow over the loss of its faculty and students. In a statement, the university extended condolences to the families and friends of the victims, highlighting the contributions of Montefalcone, Sommacal, Oddenino, and Gualtieri to marine research and education. Montefalcone was recognized for her academic contributions and for her public engagement through television appearances and scientific papers focused on corals and seagrass ecosystems in the Maldives.
As the investigation continues, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian embassy in Sri Lanka are providing assistance to the families of the deceased. Officials are working to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the incident and to support the families during this difficult time.
Reports indicate that the cave system where the divers were last seen extends approximately 60 meters deep, with forks that lead to even greater depths. This complexity, combined with the challenging weather conditions, may have contributed to the divers’ inability to navigate safely.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, experts are reiterating the importance of safety protocols and proper training for divers, particularly in challenging environments such as underwater caves. “Not a single person should attempt this kind of adventure without the proper equipment and training,” remarked Shaff Naeem, a well-known Maldives instructor who has previously dived in the area.
As the search for the remaining divers continues, the Maldivian Coast Guard remains vigilant, utilizing all available resources to locate those still missing. The tragic loss of these five individuals has sent shockwaves through both the Italian community and the global scuba-diving world, serving as a somber reminder of the risks associated with underwater exploration.
In the coming days, more details are expected to emerge as investigators piece together the events leading up to the accident. The Maldivian authorities are committed to thoroughly examining the circumstances surrounding this incident to prevent future tragedies.
As the families of the victims mourn their loss, the scuba-diving community is left to grapple with the implications of this tragedy, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures and awareness in the sport.