The bodies of the last two Italian divers have been recovered in the Maldives, where a deadly tragedy unfolded. Specifically, two bodies were retrieved from the “cave of death.” The divers were members of a five-person team that entered the cave but lost their lives.
Maldives: The victims and their stories
The tragedy victims were identified as Federico Gualtieri, Muriel Odenino, instructor Gianluca Benedetti, Monica Montefalcone and her daughter, Giorgia. The team leader was 51-year-old Monica Montefalcone.
Monica Montefalcone was known for her scientific work. University of Genoa professor Giorgio Bavestrello, speaking about his colleague, described her dedication: “Every time Monica was in these places, which she loved deeply and visited frequently for 20 years, she made observations about the condition of the coral reef.”
The testimony of Federico Gualtieri’s mother is equally heartbreaking. “Federico was like that. As a child he was like that. He loved water, the sea and fish. He died in the happiest moment of his life. Because he had graduated from exactly what he wanted.”
Questions about the dive
Meanwhile, new questions are being raised about the diving conditions. According to Sky News, the limit for recreational diving in the Maldives is 30 meters, while the team reached a depth of approximately 50 meters. Maldivian authorities are conducting an investigation into the causes of the tragedy.
