Finnish divers specialized in caving have recovered two bodies (which they have been able to locate in the third chamber of the grotto) and it is expected that tomorrow, Wednesday, they will be able to rescue the other two that remain inside. It was in a complex rescue operation 60 meters deep in the so-called “Shark Cave” in Vaavu Atoll.
There are two investigations underway: one by the Rome Prosecutor’s Office, which analyzes a possible involuntary manslaughter pointing to possible negligence on the part of those responsible for the boat (Duke of York). And another of the Maldives authorities who are investigating what could have happened, whether a bad mixture of gases or an unexpected problem that ended in tragedy. The researchers are also trying to determine whether they correctly used the so-called Ariadne’s threadan essential guide cable in cave diving that ensures safe return to the surface.
The spokesman for the Maldivian government, Mohamed Hussain Shareef, confirms that – although they were experienced divers – only three of them had scientific permits to carry out research at such depth and that they did not have authorization to enter the cave due to the sea currents that are common in the area.
This diving accident has cost the lives of five Italians and a diver from the Maldives National Defense Force, Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee, who was participating in their search and who died due to poor decompression.
The victims are Monica Montefalcone, a well-known Italian marine biologist and professor at the University of Genoa. Also his daughter, Giorgia Sommacal -recently graduated in biomedical engineering-, Muriel Oddenino -marine biologist and ecologist-, Federico Gualtieri -diving instructor- and Gianluca Benedetti, instructor and boat captain.
