Five Italians Killed in Maldives Cave Dive Off Vaavu Atoll

Overview

• The group, which vanished Thursday during a deep cave dive near Alimathaa in Vaavu Atoll, was confirmed dead by Italy's foreign ministry.
• Maldivian teams have recovered one victim from a cave about 60 meters down and say the four others are likely in the same chamber.
• University of Genoa said the dead include marine scientist Monica Montefalcone, her 20-year-old daughter, two young researchers, and their dive instructor.
• Weather services had posted a yellow alert for strong winds, and local rules limit recreational dives to 30 meters even though advanced divers sometimes go deeper.
• Police have opened an inquiry and search crews worked through the night in a country that has logged at least 112 tourist sea deaths in six years, including 42 from diving or snorkeling.