The bodies of two Italian divers missing since last week have been recovered off the coast of the Maldives, sources confirm. The discovery deals a severe blow to the Maldives' image as a safe paradise for tourists. Divers Marco Rossi, 42, and Elena Bianchi, 38, were last seen on a guided dive near the resort island of Kuredu on June 10. Their bodies were found on June 14 by a local fishing boat, according to police documents seen by this reporter.
The Maldives, renowned for its luxury resorts and pristine waters, has long marketed itself as a top destination for scuba enthusiasts. But this incident raises serious questions about the safety protocols in place for tourists. Preliminary autopsy reports, which I have obtained, indicate that both divers had significant amounts of water in their lungs, consistent with drowning. However, the report also notes unusual bruising on the necks and wrists of both victims, prompting an investigation into possible foul play.
Local authorities have declined to comment, citing an ongoing investigation. But a source close to the inquiry told me that police are focusing on the dive guide, a local man named Ahmed Shareef, who has since disappeared. “Shareef was the last person to see them alive,” the source said. “He radioed in that the divers had surfaced and were fine, but they never made it back to the boat.” Shareef's whereabouts are unknown, and his family claims he has not been seen since the day of the dive.
The Italian embassy in Colombo has issued a statement expressing deep concern and demanding a full investigation. “We expect the Maldivian authorities to conduct a transparent and thorough inquiry into this tragic incident,” the statement read. “Our citizens deserve answers.”
The tourism ministry, meanwhile, is scrambling to contain the fallout. In a press release issued yesterday, it said that it was “cooperating fully with the investigation” and reiterated that “the safety of our guests is our top priority.” But the victims' families are not convinced. “They told us the Maldives was safe,” said Marco's brother, Luca Rossi, in a tearful phone interview. “Now my brother is dead, and no one is telling us why.”
This is not the first time the Maldives has faced scrutiny over tourist safety. In 2019, a British couple died from carbon monoxide poisoning in a villa, and just last year, a French woman was sexually assaulted while staying at a resort. Each time, the government promised reforms, but critics say little has changed. “The Maldives has a pattern of downplaying these incidents to protect its tourism industry,” said Maldivian journalist Aminath Riza, who has covered the sector for years. “They are more worried about their reputation than the lives of their visitors.”
As the investigation continues, the resort where the couple stayed has suspended all diving activities. The general manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they were “devastated” and are cooperating with police. But for the families of Marco and Elena, cooperation is not enough. They want justice, and they want answers. And as the bodies are flown back to Italy, the Maldives faces a stark choice: confront the rot or watch its tourism industry sink.
I will continue to follow the money and the bodies. Because in this story, the truth is still submerged.
