Empty Tank Finding Refocuses Probe Into Maldives Cave-Dive That Killed Five Italians

Overview

• The five Italians vanished during a Thursday cave dive around 50 meters near Alimatha in Vaavu Atoll in what officials called the Maldives’ worst diving accident.
• Maldivian forces labeled the work high risk and recovered Monica Montefalcone at about 60 meters inside a cave system with narrow passages.
• Divers later brought up Gianluca Benedetti near the entrance to a second chamber, and teams believe the remaining victims are deeper inside.
• Rough seas have forced repeated pauses, and rescuers mapped the site and plan to reach a third chamber once conditions ease.
• Investigators are weighing oxygen toxicity against gear or air‑supply failures after reports that Benedetti’s tank was found empty, and a student who stayed on the boat is a key witness.