A tragic scuba diving accident in the Maldives has claimed the lives of five Italian divers during a deep-sea cave exploration near Vaavu Atoll, with experts now investigating whether oxygen toxicity or other underwater complications may have contributed to the incident. The accident is already being described by some reports as one of the worst diving tragedies in the country’s history.
The divers reportedly entered the water on May 14 while exploring underwater caves near Alimathaa Island, around 100 kilometre south of Malé. The group failed to resurface after the dive, triggering a large-scale rescue operation involving Maldivian authorities, rescue vessels and specialist divers.
Who were the victims?
Among the victims were marine biology professor Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, marine biology graduate Federico Gualtieri, research fellow Muriel Oddenino and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti. Several members of the group were reportedly associated with the University of Genoa in Italy.
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As per the reports of News18, authorities recovered one body near the cave entrance, while the remaining divers were believed to be trapped deeper inside the underwater cave system at depths reaching nearly 50 to 60 metre. Recovery efforts were slowed by rough weather, strong currents and poor underwater conditions.
(Representational image) A tragic scuba diving accident in the Maldives AI generated
Oxygen toxicity among possible causes
While officials have not yet confirmed the exact reason behind the tragedy, experts have floated several possible explanations as per the reports of News18. One major theory being examined is oxygen toxicity, a dangerous condition that can affect divers breathing oxygen-rich gas mixtures at extreme depths.
According to diving experts quoted in News18 reports, the divers may have been using nitrox or other oxygen-enriched breathing gases. At great depths, excessive oxygen pressure can affect the central nervous system, potentially causing confusion, seizures or loss of consciousness underwater.
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Experts also suggested that panic, disorientation, strong currents or poor visibility inside the cave may have worsened the situation. Cave diving is considered one of the most technically demanding forms of scuba diving because divers cannot immediately ascend to the surface during emergencies.
Search and investigation continue
As per the reports of News18, the Maldives government has suspended the licence of the diving vessel involved in the expedition while investigations continue. Italian authorities have also launched an independent probe into the incident.
Search teams have faced repeated delays because of difficult weather conditions in the area, including heavy rain and strong winds. Reports also said a missing GoPro camera carried by one of the divers could help investigators reconstruct the final moments of the dive.
The tragedy has shocked both the scuba diving community and academic circles in Italy, especially because several members of the group were experienced divers and marine researchers.
