Finnish Divers Arrive in Maldives to Resume Search for Missing Italians

A team of three specialist Finnish divers has arrived in the Maldives to assist in the search for four missing Italian nationals near Vaavu Atoll. Dispatched by the Italian government, the experienced divers arrived with specialized equipment to bolster the ongoing rescue operation. Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef confirmed that the Finnish team has already coordinated with Maldives Coast Guard officials. The two groups held a briefing to evaluate current conditions and strategize the resumption of the search, which had been temporarily suspended. The operation was halted following the tragic death of Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahdi, a veteran diver with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard. His death during the rescue attempts highlighted the extreme danger and hazardous conditions present in the search area. The crisis began on May 14 at 1:45 pm, when the MNDF Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre received reports that a group—consisting of an Italian diving instructor and four divers—had disappeared while exploring the waters of Vaavu Atoll. In response, the MNDF launched a wide-scale search utilizing both aircraft and maritime vessels. While the recovery teams have successfully located the body of the Italian diving instructor, the four remaining divers remain missing. The search area continues to pose significant risks to rescue personnel, necessitating the arrival of the international specialist team. In a separate administrative move, the Maldivian government has revoked the operating license of the vessel associated with the diving group. This measure remains in effect pending a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the disappearance.