Calls grow to halt search operation after rescue diver's death
Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee of the Maldives National Defence Force died on Saturday while receiving treatment at ADK Hospital.
Calls are increasing for authorities to suspend the ongoing search operation for four missing Italian divers in Vaavu Atoll following the death of a member of the rescue team.
Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee of the Maldives National Defence Force died on Saturday while receiving treatment at ADK Hospital after developing decompression sickness during the operation.
The search operation began after five divers went missing during a dive near Alimatha in Vaavu Atoll. Authorities have so far recovered one body, while four divers remain missing.
Following Mahudhee’s death, social media users and members of the diving community called for the operation to be reviewed, with some urging authorities not to place additional personnel at risk.
Diver Fahud Faiz stated on Facebook that deep cave diving during adverse sea conditions carries significant risks and requires specialised training and equipment.
According to Fahud, such operations require technical cave divers, specialised gas mixtures, decompression planning and support teams.
“Operations of this nature demand highly specialised technical cave divers. It requires precise gas mixtures, meticulous decompression planning, robust support teams, and a comprehensive evaluation of the dive site beforehand,” he said.
Fahud also stated that the operation should involve international technical support and additional expertise.
“We have lost a friend — a rescuer who was dedicated to providing answers to the families of the missing,” he said.
Another diver, Fayyaz Ibrahim, also raised concerns regarding repeated dives at depths of around 60 metres using standard atmospheric air.
He stated that such dives require extended decompression procedures and carry risks including oxygen toxicity and nitrogen narcosis.
“Repeating such a dive the following day is exponentially more dangerous,” Fayyaz said.
According to Fayyaz, operations at those depths should only be carried out with specialised equipment, gas blends and technical training.
Members of the public have also called on authorities to reconsider continuing the operation under the current conditions.
Staff Sergeant Mahudhee is survived by two wives and two children.
