The husband of a marine biologist who perished in a diving incident in the Maldives this week has stated that 'something must have happened down there' in the caves where the group was swimming. Five Italian divers lost their lives during an underwater cave expedition on Thursday, according to authorities.
Details of the Incident
The group was exploring caves at a depth of approximately 50-60 metres in Vaavu Atoll, around 64 kilometres (40 miles) from the capital Malé. They were reported missing after failing to resurface. Among the victims was 51-year-old Monica Montefalcone, a television personality, marine biologist, and professor of tropical marine ecology at the University of Genoa. Her daughter, Giorgia Sommacal, aged 22, also died in the incident.
Husband's Reaction
Monica's husband and Giorgia's father, Carlo Sommacal, expressed his devastation and emphasised that his wife was 'among the best divers on earth' and would never have endangered the group. 'She would never have put our daughter's life or that of others at risk... something must have happened down there,' he told La Repubblica on Friday. 'Maybe one of them had trouble, maybe the oxygen tanks, I have no idea.'
Sole Survivor's Luck
It has also emerged that a sixth individual was scheduled to join the underwater trip but backed out at the last minute, although the reason for her change of mind remains unclear, according to La Repubblica.
Background of the Expedition
According to authorities, the group was part of a larger diving excursion when they attempted to enter cave structures known for strong currents and complex underwater tunnels. Approximately 20 people were believed to be on board a yacht that set sail for the trip. Rescue teams rushed to the scuba hotspot near the island of Alimatha and later recovered one body inside a submerged cave, while the remaining four are believed to still be inside the same cave system.
Official Statements
Maldives government spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef stated that the cave 'is so deep that even divers with the best equipment do not try to approach.' He added, 'There will be a separate investigation into how these divers went below the permitted depth, but our focus right now is on the search and rescue.'
Search and Recovery Efforts
The Maldivian coast guard and military units launched a 'high-risk' search and recovery operation using specialist divers, boats, and aerial support. However, rough weather conditions in the area, including strong winds and an official yellow alert, made operations more difficult than expected.
Victims Identified
The victims were later identified as Monica Montefalcone and her daughter Giorgia Sommacal; researcher Muriel Oddenino; marine scientist Federico Gualtieri; and dive operator Gianluca Benedetti.
