The Maldives has long been a favorite for ocean activities, but on Thursday, May 14, it was shaken by what is now being called the worst diving disaster in its history.
A group of five Italian nationals — Monica Montefalcone, 52; Giorgia Sommacal, 22; Muriel Oddenino, 31; Federico Gualtieri, 31; and Gianluca Benedetti, 42 — descended into a cave system in the Vaavu Atoll near Alimatha Island but never resurfaced.
A massive search-and-rescue operation was launched soon after, leading to the recovery of Benedetti’s body, the group’s diving instructor.
