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

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the search for four missing Italian nationals is being treated as a high-priority operation. The divers disappeared during an excursion in a designated diving area within Vaavu Atoll, sparking a large-scale rescue and recovery mission. In a formal message of condolence addressed to the Government of Italy and President Sergio Mattarella, President Muizzu expressed deep sadness over the incident. He stated that the thoughts and prayers of the Maldivian people are with the missing individuals and their grieving families during this difficult time. The President emphasized that the Maldivian government is dedicating all necessary resources to locate the remaining four divers. He also expressed gratitude toward the Italian government for their close cooperation and support during the ongoing search and recovery efforts. Of the five Italian nationals involved in the incident, authorities have recovered the body of one diver. The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) rescue teams remain deployed in the area, conducting systematic searches of the waters in Vaavu Atoll to find the others. Vaavu Atoll is renowned globally for its vibrant marine life and diving sites, attracting visitors from across the world. The current operation underscores the critical nature of maritime safety and the coordinated response between the MNDF and international partners in managing emergencies within the archipelago's vast territorial waters.