MP Kudu demands detailed explanations from Defence and Tourism Ministries on cave‑diving deaths and MNDF diver’s fatality

North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim has sent two formal letters, one to Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed and another to Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen, raising extensive questions over the deaths of five foreign divers inside the underwater cave near Vaavu Alimatha, as well as the subsequent death of MNDF diver Sgt. First Class Mohamed Mahudhy during the recovery mission.

The MP said the incident has exposed serious concerns about regulatory oversight, operational decisions, safety protocols, and the government’s transparency in handling the case.

Questions to the Defence Minister

In his letter to Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon, MP Mohamed Ibrahim asked for detailed explanations on:

• Why the five divers were not located earlier, despite reports that they had been missing for hours.  

• Whether MNDF had prior knowledge that the cave was a high‑risk site requiring specialised rescue capability.  

• Why Sgt. Mahudhy died during the operation, including whether proper decompression facilities were available and whether MNDF followed standard dive‑safety procedures.  

• Why the recovery took several days, and whether delays were caused by coordination issues between MNDF, Police, and resort authorities.  

• Whether MNDF has reviewed CCTV, dive logs, or communication records from the resort and dive centre.  

• Whether any negligence by state agencies contributed to the deaths.

He also asked whether the government intends to release a full incident report, including the timeline of MNDF’s response, the number of divers deployed, and the decisions taken during the mission.

Questions to the Tourism Minister

In his letter to Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal, the MP focused on regulatory failures and industry oversight, asking:

• Whether the dive centre had the required permits to take tourists into the Alimatha cave.  

• Whether the cave is a registered or approved dive site, and if not, why it was being used.  

• Whether the victims were properly briefed, guided, and supervised, and whether the dive centre followed mandatory safety protocols.  

• Why the resort or dive operator did not report the incident immediately to authorities.  

• Whether the ministry had previously received complaints or warnings about the cave or the dive operator.  

• Whether the government will take action against the resort or dive centre if negligence is established.

He also asked whether the ministry will publish the findings of its investigation and whether new regulations will be introduced to prevent similar incidents.

MP Mohamed Ibrahim said the deaths of the five divers, and the death of the MNDF diver involved in the recovery, demand full transparency and clear accountability from all agencies involved.

He requested written responses from both ministers.

The incident has triggered widespread public concern, with many calling for a comprehensive review of dive‑safety standards, emergency‑response procedures, and regulatory enforcement in the Maldives’ tourism sector.