Maldives: Bodies of Italian divers recovered in Maldives.

RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT “PRESIDENCY MALDIVES” HANDOUT —EDITORIAL USE ONLY— SHOTLIST: VAAVU ATOLL, MALDIVES (RELEASED ON MAY 16, 2026) (PRESIDENCY MALDIVES - RESTRICTED) 1. MALDIVES PRESIDENT DR. MOHAMED MUIZZU AND DELEGATION ARRIVING AT SEARCH AND RESCUE AREA 2. VARIOUS OF COAST GUARD TEAMS BRIEFING PRESIDENT MUIZZU USING MAPS AND UNDERWATER TOPOGRAPHY PLANS 3. TECHNICAL PLANS AND DETAILS OF CAVE AND SEARCH AREA IN VAAVU ATOLL 4. PRESIDENT MUIZZU AND OFFICIALS BOARDING COAST GUARD BOAT AND SPEEDBOAT HEADING TO SEA 5. PRESIDENT MUIZZU AND DELEGATION DISEMBARKING FROM BOATS AND WALKING ON DECKVAAVU ATOLL, MALDIVES - RELEASED ON MAY 16 - RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT “PRESIDENCY MALDIVES” HANDOUT —EDITORIAL USE ONLY— Authorities in Maldives recovered bodies of five Italian divers near Vaavu Atoll following a search operation launched after they went missing during a diving excursion. The divers had disappeared after entering an underwater cave system in waters near Felidheatholhu area. Search and rescue teams, supported by specialized divers, located bodies during operation carried out under difficult sea conditions and strong underwater currents, according to local authorities. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu visited operation site on May 15 and received briefing from Maldives National Defence Force officials overseeing mission. Authorities said divers were exploring caves at depths of around 50 meters when incident occurred. Italian media reported victims included experienced divers participating in private diving expedition in Maldives, a destination known for coral reefs and advanced diving locations. Local authorities launched an investigation into circumstances surrounding incident.