A Maldivian military diver has died while searching for the bodies of four Italian divers believed to be deep inside an underwater cave. The incident occurred during a recovery operation for the group of five Italian divers who went missing earlier this month.
The five Italian divers are believed to have died while exploring a cave at a depth of about 50 meters (164 feet) off the coast of the Maldives. The exact circumstances of their deaths remain under investigation.
The Maldivian military confirmed the death of its diver on May 16, 2026, but did not release his name pending notification of family. The search for the Italian divers' bodies continues.
Italian authorities are assisting with the recovery efforts. The cave system is known for its challenging conditions, including strong currents and limited visibility.
