Maldives Suspends Boat Operator’s Licence After Italian Divers’ Deaths

Key points

• Maldives Suspends Boat Operator’s Licence After Italian Divers’ Deaths Published By, Last Updated: May 17, 2026, 14:49 IST Authorities confirmed that the body of the diving instructor has been recovered, while search and rescue operations for the four missing tourists remain ongoing.
• Rapid Read The victims included a marine biology professor, her daughter and two young researchers.
• (PHOTO: AFP) The Maldives government has suspended the operating licence of tourist vessel MV Duke of York following a deadly diving incident in Vaavu Atoll involving five Italian nationals.
• In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation said the incident took place on May 14, 2026, during a diving excursion involving four Italian tourists and a diving instructor.
• Authorities confirmed that the body of the diving instructor has been recovered, while search and rescue operations for the four missing tourists remain ongoing.