World2 min(s) read
Published 09:43 19 May 2026 GMT
First two bodies recovered in complex 'shark cave' rescue mission in Maldives
The first two bodies of four Italian tourists who died in a cave 60 feet underwater last week have been recovered by expert divers.
The bodies of Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, Muriel Oddenino, and Federico Gualtieri were discovered on Monday but not immediately brought to the surface due to the complicated nature of the dive.
In a technically challenging mission, two have now been brought to the surface, officials said.
The two remaining bodies are set to be recovered on Wednesday in a “technically complex” operation.
Every attempt to reach the bodies lasts three hours and is immediately called off if any obstacle is encountered.
The rescue mission has required specialised equipment, including underwater scooters and gas tanks that recycle air to be sent over from the UK and Australia.
Finnish elite diving trio, Sami Paakkarinen, Jenni Westerlund, and Patrik Grönqvist, arrived on the island nation on Sunday to help local authorities with the search.
The divers took part in the successful rescue of 13 boys from a Thai soccer team in 2018 after days trapped in a cave, which got international media attention.
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