Tragic Cave Dive in Maldives Claims Lives of Five Italian Divers, Investigation Underway
An incident involving a group of Italian divers exploring underwater caves in the Maldives has resulted in the tragic loss of five lives. The search for the victims was suspended late Friday due to adverse weather conditions, complicating recovery efforts.
Carlo Sommacal, who lost both his wife, Monica Montefalcone, and daughter, Giorgia Sommacal, in the tragedy, expressed his disbelief over the circumstances. He noted that his wife had previously survived the 2004 tsunami while diving off the coast of Kenya, highlighting her experience and discipline as a diver. Sommacal stated that he believed an unforeseen event must have occurred, dismissing any notion of recklessness on her part. He recalled her often assessing risks before dives, stating, “This one I can do, you can’t.”
Search Temporarily Abandoned
Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, confirmed that the search for the victims was temporarily halted due to inclement weather. He emphasized that all possible measures would be taken to recover the bodies. The investigation into the cause of the deaths is ongoing, with plans to resume recovery operations as soon as conditions improve.
“Unfortunately, the searches are suspended due to bad weather, but we will do everything possible to recover the bodies of our compatriots,” Tajani stated during a political event in Italy. The body of a fifth member of the dive group was recovered on Thursday, prompting renewed efforts to locate the remaining victims.
Monica Montefalcone, one of the five Italian scuba divers who died near Alimathaa in the Maldives archipelago while exploring an underwater cave, is seen in this undated handout picture released by Greenpeace Italia on Friday, May 15, 2026. (AP)
Attempt to Explore Caves
The Italian Foreign Ministry reported that the divers were attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 meters (164 feet) in the Vaavu Atoll when the incident occurred. The victims included Monica Montefalcone, an associate professor of ecology at the University of Genoa; her daughter, Giorgia Sommacal; marine biologist Federico Gualtieri; researcher Muriel Oddenino; and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti. Benedetti’s body was recovered on Thursday.
Cave diving is recognized as a highly technical and dangerous activity, requiring specialized training and equipment. The risks significantly increase in overhead environments and at depth, particularly when conditions worsen. Experts caution that divers can easily become disoriented or lost in caves, especially when visibility is compromised by sediment.
Diving at a depth of 50 meters exceeds the maximum recommended limit for recreational divers established by most major scuba certifying agencies. Depths beyond 40 meters are classified as technical diving, necessitating specialized training and equipment. In the Maldives, the recreational diving limit is set at 30 meters.
Monica, a 2004 Tsunami Survivor
Carlo Sommacal recounted that his wife had survived the 2004 tsunami while diving off Kenya, resurfacing alongside other experienced divers despite the perilous conditions. After a lengthy recovery from serious health complications, she returned to diving. “She had two lives – one on land and one in her environment, the water,” he remarked.
Maldivian presidential spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef indicated that eight divers participated in Friday’s search, working in pairs to explore the depths and create a map for the continuation of the mission on Saturday. Shareef confirmed that Benedetti’s body was found near the cave’s entrance, and authorities believe the remaining four divers had entered the cave.
Two Italian experts—a deep-sea rescue specialist and a cave diving expert—are expected to join the recovery efforts. Approximately 20 other Italians who were part of the same expedition aboard the vessel “Duke of York” were reported safe. Italy’s embassy in Colombo is providing assistance to those on board and has coordinated with the Red Crescent to offer psychological support.
The vessel was seeking safe harbor from the adverse weather and awaited improved conditions before returning to Male, as stated by the Italian ministry.
Passion for Marine Protection
Greenpeace Italia paid tribute to Montefalcone, recognizing her as a passionate advocate for marine conservation. The organization expressed that it would miss her professionalism and insight, as well as the enthusiasm she exhibited when discussing the ocean’s wonders and the importance of protecting them.
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology extended condolences to all victims, noting Montefalcone’s significant contributions to marine environmental studies. The Italian ministry is collaborating with Divers Alert Network, a specialist diving organization, to facilitate recovery operations and the repatriation of the bodies.
The cave explored by the five divers consists of three large chambers connected by narrow passages. Recovery teams have explored two of these chambers, but the search has been limited due to concerns over oxygen levels and decompression. Plans are in place to investigate the third chamber on Saturday.
Italian officials and the honorary consul are in contact with the families of the victims to provide necessary assistance.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-05-16 10:37:00 • By the Editorial Desk
