The Maldives Divers Association has called on the Tourism Ministry, the regulatory body for the diving industry, to exercise greater vigilance in conducting inspections and enforcing safety regulations.
The appeal follows a tragic incident last Thursday in which five Italian divers lost their lives. While one body was recovered near an underwater cave, search operations remain underway for the remaining four individuals.
In a statement issued by its interim board, the Divers Association emphasized that the Ministry must be more proactive in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The association further pledged its full support for any initiatives aimed at enhancing safety standards within the sector.
As authorities work to establish the facts of the case, the association urged both the public and those within the diving community to refrain from spreading misinformation or unverified accounts regarding the incident.
They also commended the ongoing search and rescue efforts conducted by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and private parties. The association expressed its gratitude to all personnel involved in the operation for their dedication despite significant challenges.
The statement noted that this tragedy serves as a reminder of the critical importance of diving safety standards, rigorous training, and emergency preparedness. The association highlighted that the Maldives’ reputation as a world-class diving destination is built upon its robust regulatory framework, adding that maintaining these standards is a collective responsibility.
The Tourism Ministry has since suspended the operating license of the safari vessel involved in the incident indefinitely. The Ministry stated that this measure was taken due to the gravity of the case and to facilitate a comprehensive investigation.
