The Italian government has decided to confer its highest civilian honour upon Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee, the Maldivian soldier who lost his life during a recovery operation for Italian tourists trapped in a sea cave at Vaavu Atoll. Additionally, a fund has been established to support his grieving family.
The Italian Embassy in Colombo announced that Mahudhee will be posthumously awarded the "Gold Medal for Civil Valour," Italy’s highest recognition for exceptional acts of courage and public service. This prestigious honour is reserved for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary bravery and selflessness, often at the risk of their own lives.
To provide financial assistance to Mahudhee’s family, the Italian Embassy in Colombo, in collaboration with the Honorary Consular Agency of Italy in Male’, has launched a fundraising initiative.
Arrangements have been made for contributors to donate via bank transfer to an account. The opportunity to contribute to this fund will remain open until December 31.
In a statement expressing solidarity, the Italian government extended its deepest condolences to Mahudhee’s family, reaffirming its commitment to standing by them during this difficult time.
The truth behind Mahdhee's fatal dive cannot be buried so easily!
Questions surround the death of MNDF Sergeant Mohamed Mahdhee during a mission to recover five Italian divers. While Italy investigates the tourists' deaths, the Maldivian government remains silent regarding the soldier's passing. Mahdhee was buried without an autopsy, and officials are refusing to provide further details.
According to official authorities, Mahudhee was part of a team of seven military divers. After the group surfaced from a dive into the cave, it was discovered that he was missing. A police diving team located him and brought him to the surface in critical condition, but he was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital.
However, sources informed Adhadhu that Mahudhee had no pulse when he was recovered from the water. Despite immediate attempts to perform CPR after he was brought to the surface, he remained unresponsive.
While the Maldives Police Service is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Mahudhee’s death, no details have been released to date. Authorities have also declined to provide further comments in response to media inquiries regarding the incident.
