Finnish divers arrive to assist Vaavu search operation
The divers arrived following a request by the government of Italy to provide technical support for the operation.
Three specialist divers from Finland arrived in the Maldives on Sunday to assist in the search operation for Italian divers missing in Vaavu Atoll.
The divers arrived following a request by the government of Italy to provide technical support for the operation.
The search mission follows the disappearance of five Italian divers near Alimatha in Vaavu Atoll during a cave dive conducted at a depth of around 60 metres.
Authorities have so far recovered one body, while four divers remain missing.
The operation was temporarily suspended after the death of Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee of the Maldives National Defence Force.
Mahudhee, 44, died on Saturday while receiving treatment at ADK Hospital for decompression sickness sustained during the rescue operation.
Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef told Dhauru that the Finnish team arrived with specialised equipment required for the search operation.
According to Shareef, the team includes a diver with experience in cave diving operations.
He added that all three divers are employed by an Italian company and will conduct operations in coordination with the MNDF.
Shareef also stated that the governments of Italy, the United Kingdom and Australia have agreed to provide technical assistance for the operation.
Authorities stated that the divers had descended to approximately 60 metres while exploring a cave.
The depth exceeds the 30-metre recreational diving limit permitted under Maldivian regulations.
