The MNDF confirmed that Staff Sergeant First Class Mohamed Mahudhee passed away after becoming critically ill while participating in a search and rescue mission to locate four missing Italian divers.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy deeply felt by the entire nation. In a message shared on social media, the President stated that the death of the MNDF serviceman while carrying out rescue efforts for the missing tourists was an immense loss not only to him personally, but also to all Maldivians.
The President extended condolences to Mahudhee’s family and the MNDF, while praying for patience and strength for his loved ones. He further prayed that the late serviceman, who died while fulfilling his national duty, would be granted martyrdom, Allah’s mercy, and eternal paradise.
Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef also expressed profound sadness over Mahudhee’s death. In a social media post, he conveyed sincere condolences to the family and prayed for the deceased to be granted a place in Jannatul Firdaus.
Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla likewise shared condolences, stating that the Maldives had lost a dedicated serviceman who honourably served the nation.
According to the MNDF, Staff Sergeant Mahudhee died while receiving treatment at ADK Hospital after falling critically ill during the rescue operation led by the military.
The operation was launched after the MNDF Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received reports at approximately 1:45 pm on the 14th of this month that five Italian nationals had gone missing while diving in Vaavu Atoll. Search efforts by sea and air commenced immediately.
Those involved in the incident included an Italian diving instructor and four tourists who had travelled to the atoll for a diving excursion. Authorities have so far recovered the body of the diving instructor, while efforts continue to locate the remaining four individuals.
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Tourism has suspended the operating licence of the vessel used for the diving trip.
Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani sent a message of condolence to Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam following Mahudhee’s death.
In his message, the Italian Foreign Minister thanked the Maldivian government for its support and condolences after the tragedy involving the Italian divers. He noted that Mahudhee lost his life while taking part in the search operation, adding that the incident had deepened the grief already being experienced in Italy.
Antonio Tajani extended condolences to the government, military, and people of the Maldives on behalf of Italy and also expressed sympathy to the affected families in both countries. He further thanked Maldivian authorities for the ongoing search and rescue efforts and reaffirmed Italy’s readiness to cooperate and provide assistance if required.
Hundreds of well-wishers have also taken to social media to share tributes and condolences following Mahudhee’s passing.
Amid the tragedy, the MNDF has revealed efforts are underway to strengthen the country’s deep-diving rescue capabilities. Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem disclosed that initiatives are in progress to train Coast Guard officers to dive to depths of up to 100 metres.
Speaking on the PSM News programme “Raajje Miadhu,” Brigadier General Saleem explained that current military divers are trained to operate at depths of up to 50 metres. He stated that with assistance from the government and neighbouring countries, advanced training programmes are now being implemented to improve operational capacity and reduce the risks faced by military divers during maritime rescue missions.
Saleem noted that the second phase of the specialised training programme is scheduled to begin this month, with efforts focused on ensuring trained personnel are ready before the end of the year.
Lieutenant Colonel Ali Niyaz also highlighted the importance of proper dive planning and adherence to safety regulations. He stressed that dives exceeding 30 metres require specialised equipment and advanced technical training.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Niyaz, inadequate preparation for deep dives can lead to dangerous situations despite such incidents being rare. He further emphasised that dive operators and instructors must strictly follow established safety procedures, particularly during adverse weather conditions, to ensure diver safety at all times.
The funeral of Staff Sergeant First Class Mohamed Mahudhee was held last night with full military honours. A large number of people attended both the funeral prayer and burial ceremony to pay their final respects to the fallen serviceman.
