As the Maldives grapples with the deadliest diving disaster in its history, Japanese Ambassador Ishigami Rumiko has highlighted the multi-million dollar equipment donated by the Japanese government to the Maldivian Coast Guard.
Five Italian nationals lost their lives while diving in a deep underwater cave located in the Vaavu Atoll "Devana Kandu" channel. One body has so far been recovered. The tragedy also claimed the life of MNDF Coast Guard Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahdhee during the recovery operation on Saturday. The death toll from the incident currently stands at six.
On December 17, 2024, the Japanese government donated equipment valued at USD 7.6 million (800 million Yen) to the Coast Guard. The handover ceremony was attended by then-Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon and the former Japanese Ambassador, Takeuchi Midori.
Japan donates aid worth 800 million yen to MNDF Coast Guard
The Japanese government yesterday donated modern equipment valued at 800 million yen to the MNDF Coast Guard to support maritime search and rescue operations.
In a post on X, the current Ambassador Ishigami detailed the equipment provided to the MNDF at the time. The donation included maritime communication systems, professional diving gear, and search and rescue equipment. It also featured a portable recompression chamber essential for high-stakes operations.
"Hope it was useful in the recent operations," she wrote.
The MNDF has not yet disclosed the type of equipment being utilized in the ongoing operation.
According to previous statements by the MNDF, the cave where the five Italian divers descended is located at a depth of 60 meters, with the cave itself stretching approximately 200 feet in length.
