MNDF Diver Laid to Rest With Full Military Honours After Rescue Mission

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has laid to rest Staff Sergeant First Class Mohamed Mahudhee with full military honours following his death during a high-risk rescue operation in Vaavu Atoll. Staff Sergeant Mahudhee was part of a critical search and rescue mission launched on Thursday after the MNDF Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received reports that five Italian divers had gone missing. During the intense operation, Mahudee suffered from decompression sickness, a severe condition caused by rapid pressure changes during ascent. He later passed away while receiving treatment at ADK Hospital. The search operation, which involved cooperation between the MNDF and a supporting safari vessel, successfully recovered the body of one of the missing divers underwater at approximately 18:13 on Thursday. The mission continued as teams worked to locate the remaining individuals. The funeral service, held at the Islamic Centre in Malé, drew hundreds of mourners. Attendees included President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, members of the Cabinet, and several senior government officials, all gathering to pay their final respects to the fallen serviceman. In a solemn military ceremony, the coffin was transported to the new cemetery in a specialised vehicle, accompanied by a ceremonial seven-gun salute. In a final gesture of national gratitude, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu personally handed the national flag, which had been draped over the coffin, to the family of the deceased. Staff Sergeant Mahudhee's sacrifice highlights the inherent dangers faced by the MNDF's dive and rescue teams, who frequently operate in challenging underwater environments to ensure the safety of both locals and visitors to the archipelago.