Italy honours Maldivian soldier who died searching for missing divers

Italy has announced that it will posthumously award its highest civilian honour, the Gold Medal for Civil Valour, to Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Sergeant First Class Mohamed Mahudhee, who died while participating in a search operation for missing Italian divers in Vaavu Atoll.

The Italian Embassy in Colombo announced the decision on social media, saying the honour recognises Mahudhee's courage and humanitarian service during the operation to locate the missing divers.

The embassy said the award was being conferred in recognition of his actions during the rescue mission and his commitment to helping others.

Alongside the announcement, the Italian Embassy in Colombo and the Italian Honorary Consular Agency in Malé have launched a fundraising initiative to provide financial assistance to Mahudhee's family.

According to the embassy, contributions can be made to a bank account established specifically for the initiative.

The funds collected will be transferred to Mahudhee's legal heirs.

Donations can be made through an account opened at Maldives Islamic Bank under the name Sergeant Mahudhee Memorial Fund.

The fundraising campaign will remain open until the end of 2026.

The Italian Embassy thanked individuals and organisations contributing to the initiative, describing the effort as a gesture of support for Mahudhee's family.

The announcement follows Mahudhee's death while taking part in the search for Italian nationals who went missing during a diving excursion in Vaavu Atoll.

Italy's decision to confer the Gold Medal for Civil Valour recognises his service during the operation, while the fundraising initiative seeks to provide financial support to his family.