Maldives Cave Diving Disaster Claims Five Italian Tourists and a Maldivian Rescuer

On 14 May 2026, five Italian divers—Prof. Monica Montefalcone, daughter Giorgia Sommacal, marine biologist Federico Gualtieri, researcher Muriel Oddenino, and instructor Gianluca Benedetti—entered a sea-cave off Alimathaa Island, Vaavu Atoll, at ~50 m depth. None resurfaced; Benedetti’s body was recovered that day. A Maldivian rescue team of eight resumed the search on 15 May, and on 16 May Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee died of decompression sickness while searching for the remaining four bodies.

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Maldives law caps recreational scuba at 30 m (98 ft). The Italian party descended well beyond this limit, entering a technical-depth cave without specialised equipment. Four victims—Montefalcone, Oddenino, and two colleagues—were on a University of Genoa scientific mission, but the cave dive was undertaken privately. The group departed from the live-aboard yacht “Duke of York,” whose licence was later suspended pending investigation.

The Guardian

The five deceased are Montefalcone, Sommacal, Gualtieri, Oddenino and Benedetti. About 20-25 other Italians were aboard the Duke of York and are unharmed. The rescue team comprised eight divers working in shifts. The cave has three chambers; two have been explored. The 50 m dive exceeded the Maldives’ 30 m recreational limit.

The Sydney Morning Herald

President Mohamed Muizzu said the search “remains our highest priority.” Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef said Mahudhee’s death shows the mission’s difficulty. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani pledged Italy “will do everything possible to recover the bodies of our compatriots.” The University of Genoa expressed “deepest condolences” and noted the cave dive was not part of its research.

Associated Press

Tour operator Albatros Top Boat said it never authorised a dive beyond 30 m and would not have allowed it without permission. Diving experts warned that standard recreational gear at 50 m, possible gas-mix errors and sediment-clouded visibility raise fatality risk. Media speculation about oxygen toxicity and panic remains unverified.

The Irish Times

Sources list the Duke of York’s passenger count as 20, 25 or 26. The Maldivian diver’s surname appears as Mahudhee, Mahudhy or Mahudhi. All agree Benedetti’s body was recovered; the fifth diver’s remains are described as “found near the mouth” or “still missing.” The cause of the five deaths remains under investigation, with theories ranging from equipment failure to disorientation.

Associated Press

• “The death goes to show the difficulty of the mission,” — Mohamed Hussain Shareef, Maldives presidential spokesperson

The Guardian

• “Something must have happened.” — Carlo Sommacal, husband of Monica Montefalcone

LADbible

• “will do everything possible to recover the bodies of our compatriots” — Antonio Tajani, Italian Foreign Minister

The Guardian

• “His courage, sacrifice, and service to the nation will always be remembered.” — Maldivian military statement (X)

New York Post

Rescue divers will attempt the third chamber when weather improves; the Maldives Tourism Ministry keeps the Duke of York’s licence suspended. Italian authorities provide consular assistance and coordinate with the Red Crescent for psychological aid. The cause of the fatalities remains under official inquiry.

Associated Press