Story perspectives

Five Tourists Die in Maldives Cave Dive Despite Warning

5/15/2026

Summary

Italian Tourists Drown

Five tourists—Professor Monica Montefalcone, daughter Giorgia Sommacal, researcher Muriel Oddenino and instructors Gianluca Benedetti and Federico Gualtieri—died while cave-diving in Vaavu Atoll, Maldives.
They dove from the yacht Duke of York to 50 metres near Alimathaa despite a weather warning with 30 mph winds.
The Maldives Defence Force recovered one body at 60 metres, leaving the other four trapped.
The Italian foreign ministry gave consular help, with the University of Genoa sending condolences.

Summary

Japanese Lawmaker Drowns

A Japanese lawmaker died while snorkelling in Lhaviyani Atoll in 2024.
A British female diver who drowned off Ellaidhoo in December 2025 had a husband who died five days later.
Officials say accidents are uncommon, especially cave-diving, prompting operators to tighten safety measures.
Tourism authorities report that overall visitor numbers remain strong despite these isolated incidents.

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Italian Tourists Drown

Five tourists—Professor Monica Montefalcone, daughter Giorgia Sommacal, researcher Muriel Oddenino and instructors Gianluca Benedetti and Federico Gualtieri—died while cave-diving in Vaavu Atoll, Maldives.
They dove from the yacht Duke of York to 50 metres near Alimathaa despite a weather warning with 30 mph winds.
The Maldives Defence Force recovered one body at 60 metres, leaving the other four trapped.
The Italian foreign ministry gave consular help, with the University of Genoa sending condolences.

1 / 2