3 Finnish divers to arrive in Maldives on Sunday; UK, Australia to provide technical assistance
Mahudhee, 44, died at ADK Hospital while receiving treatment for decompression sickness sustained during diving operations connected to the search.
The government on Saturday announced that three international divers will arrive in the Maldives on Sunday to assist in the ongoing search operation for four Italian divers missing in Vaavu Atoll.
The support follows a request by the government of Italy to involve international specialists in the operation.
The announcement came hours after the death of Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee of the Maldives National Defence Force during the rescue mission.
Mahudhee, 44, died at ADK Hospital while receiving treatment for decompression sickness sustained during diving operations connected to the search.
Chief Spokesperson at the President’s Office Mohamed Hussain Shareef said the international divers would arrive with specialised equipment and experience in cave diving operations.
“We understand that the three divers are from Finland. They will arrive equipped with specialised gear for this mission,” Shareef said.
According to the spokesperson, the governments of Italy, the United Kingdom and Australia are also providing technical assistance for the operation.
Shareef said the incoming team is employed by an Italian company and includes divers experienced in cave diving.
He added that the experts would work alongside MNDF Coast Guard divers and review the operation strategy upon arrival.
“Upon their arrival, they will consult with our teams to re-strategise the operation before proceeding,” he said.
The rescue operation has been temporarily suspended following Mahudhee’s death.
According to Shareef, eight officers participated in Saturday’s dive operation.
He said reports indicated that when divers resurfaced, it was discovered that Mahudhee was missing. Divers later returned underwater and found him unconscious.
The five Italian divers reportedly descended to a depth of approximately 60 metres near Alimatha in Vaavu Atoll while exploring an underwater cave.
The depth exceeds the 30-metre recreational diving limit permitted under Maldivian regulations.
