Search for bodies of Italian divers in Maldives cave suspended due to bad weather

A search for the bodies of four Italian divers trapped in a 50-meter underwater cave in Vaavu Atoll, Maldives, was halted on Friday due to rough seas. The divers—Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, Federico Gualtieri, Muriel Oddenino, and Gianluca Benedetti—died while exploring the cave, with Benedetti’s body recovered on Thursday. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed efforts would resume Saturday, while Maldivian authorities deployed eight divers to map the cave’s depths. The victims were identified by the Maldivian government, with Montefalcone’s husband, Carlo Sommacal, dismissing recklessness, stating his wife was a disciplined diver. The cave’s depth exceeds recreational diving limits, requiring specialized technical training. Two Italian experts—a deep-sea rescue specialist and a cave diving expert—are joining the effort, alongside Maldivian divers who located Benedetti near the cave’s entrance. The expedition’s vessel, the *Duke of York*, sheltered from poor weather while 20 other Italians onboard remained safe. Italy’s embassy in Colombo coordinated with the Red Crescent for psychological support. Authorities believe the remaining four divers entered the cave, with visibility challenges and depth risks contributing to the tragedy. Investigations into the cause of death continue, while Maldivian presidential spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef noted the operation’s complexity. The divers had previously mapped the cave, aiming to resume recovery efforts once conditions improved.