The operating license of a safari vessel has been suspended following a tragic diving incident in Vaavu Atoll that left one person dead and four others missing.
In a message to the media, the Tourism Ministry confirmed that the license for the vessel "MV Duke of York" has been suspended indefinitely.
The Ministry stated that this action was taken due to the severity of the incident and to facilitate further investigations into the matter.
Missing Italian tourists feared trapped in underwater cave
Four Italian tourists are feared trapped in a 200-foot-long underwater cave in the Maldives after going missing during a dive. One body has been recovered at a depth of 60 meters. The MNDF Coast Guard has deployed specialized divers and equipment for the high-risk recovery operation in Vaavu Atoll.
The incident, which occurred last Thursday, involved five Italian nationals. According to the military, the group had descended into a dangerous underwater cave.
Following a report of their disappearance at midday, a search operation was launched. The body of one individual was recovered after sunset by divers from the safari vessel.
As efforts continue to locate the remaining four individuals, the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) stated that they are likely trapped within the cave.
"It is believed that the remaining four divers are inside this cave, which is approximately 200 feet long. As this is a highly dangerous and high-risk operation, additional MNDF Coast Guard divers and specialized equipment have been dispatched to the area," the military said.
