The Ministry of Tourism has indefinitely suspended the operating license of the safari vessel “MV Duke of York” following a serious diving accident in Vaavu Atoll.
The incident involved five Italian nationals who went missing while diving from the vessel. Thus far, only the body of the diving instructor has been recovered, located at a depth of 60 meters. As the remaining four divers are believed to be inside a 200-foot-long underwater cave, the MNDF Coast Guard is currently conducting a specialized search and rescue operation in this hazardous, deep-sea area.
The Ministry of Tourism has urged all stakeholders to strictly adhere to safety regulations to maintain the Maldives’ safety standards. The Ministry further stated that they are taking all necessary measures and conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
