President Muizzu Prioritizes High-Risk Search for Four Missing Italian Divers in Vaavu Atoll

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has personally overseen the critical search and rescue operation in Vaavu Atoll to locate four Italian divers who went missing on Thursday. The President, accompanied by ministers from Homeland Security, Foreign Affairs, and Tourism, received a comprehensive briefing from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) regarding the operational strategy and the challenges facing the mission. The emergency response began after the MNDF Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received reports at 13:45 on Thursday that five Italian divers had disappeared. Immediate search efforts were launched by sea and air, supported by the Vaavu Atoll Police Station, Alimatha Resort, and a nearby safari vessel. Tragedy struck early in the operation when the body of one diver was recovered at a depth of approximately 60 meters. The recovery took place outside a cave where the remaining four divers are believed to be located. Authorities describe the site as a high-risk environment; the cave is roughly 200 feet long and situated well beyond the depths typically used for recreational diving. The technical difficulty of the mission is significant. The cave entrance starts at 45 meters and descends to 60 meters at the exit, necessitating specialized equipment and expert diving certification. The MNDF has already completed an initial search dive to mark the location and assess the area. Preparations for a second dive are now underway, despite adverse weather conditions complicating the effort. President Muizzu extended his deepest condolences to the victims' families and the Italian government, affirming that the search is a top priority for the Maldivian administration. He also praised the cooperation between the two nations during this crisis. The Coast Guard Ship Ghazee remains deployed at the scene, coordinating the high-stakes operation as teams work against the clock to locate the remaining divers.