The operating licence of the safari vessel 'MV Duke of York' has been suspended indefinitely following a fatal diving incident in Vaavu Atoll, authorities stated, as Italy prepares to deploy technical experts and specialised equipment to assist in the high-risk search for four missing divers.
The Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre received a report of five missing Italian divers, an instructor and four recreational divers, at 1:45 p.m. on 14 May, launching immediate air and sea operations. Search teams from a nearby vessel recovered the instructor’s body at nearly 60 metres, outside an underwater cave where the remaining divers are believed trapped. Officials noted the 200-foot-long cavern requires specialised equipment, with an entrance at 45 metres and an exit plunging to 60 metres.
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation withheld the vessel's permit for a thorough investigation, underscoring that safety is a collective responsibility and urging regulatory compliance. Under the instruction of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who visited the site, the Maldives sought international assistance.
“Under the President's guidance, the Foreign Ministry worked today to engage in consultations at the highest levels of the Italian government to secure technical assistance, successfully finalising arrangements for technical experts to arrive in the Maldives alongside the equipment necessary for this complicated search operation,” Iruthisham Adam, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said, adding that the United Kingdom and Australia also offered readiness to provide resources.
The Maldivian government extended sympathies to the families and the Italian government, transmitting continuous operational updates directly to the Italian Foreign Ministry.