MNDF soldier dies during search operation for missing divers

A member of the Maldives National Defence Force died on Saturday while participating in the search and rescue operation for four Italian divers missing near Vaavu Atoll.

The MNDF identified the deceased as Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee of the Coast Guard.

The divers went missing on Thursday during a diving excursion involving five individuals. Authorities have so far recovered the body of one person, while search operations continue for the remaining four.

In a statement posted on X, the MNDF said the officer’s condition deteriorated while diving during search efforts in Felidhoo Atoll on Saturday.

According to the MNDF, he was transported to ADK Hospital for emergency treatment, where he later died.

Earlier, the MNDF confirmed that the body of one of the missing divers had been recovered at approximately 6:13 p.m. on Thursday.

The body was found inside an underwater cave at a depth of around 60 metres.

Following the incident, the Ministry of Tourism suspended the operating licence of the safari vessel involved in the dive.

The ministry stated that maintaining safety standards within the tourism sector is a shared responsibility and urged operators to comply with regulations and operational requirements.