Italy divers deaths: Preliminary results say oxygen deprivation caused professor, daughter’s deaths

The preliminary results of the autopsy conducted on the bodies of the Italian professor and her daughter, who tragically lost their lives during a diving expedition at Alimatha Cave in Vaavu Atoll.

Five Italian tourists were reported missing at around 01:45 pm on June 14^th, after going on a scuba diving trip to Dhekunu Kandu, a 200-meter-long underwater cave system located near V. Alimatha.

The incident also claimed the life of Maldivian Coast Guard’s Sergeant First Class Mohamed Mahudhy, who died during a dive to recover the bodies of the missing tourists.

The victims were identified as Monica Montefalcone, a marine biology professor connected to the University of Genoa; her daughter, Giorgia Sommacal; marine biologist Federico Gualtieri; researcher Muriel Oddenino; and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti.

According to reports by several Italian media outlets, preliminary autopsy results indicate both deaths were caused by drowning or acute oxygen deprivation.

The bodies of 51-year-old Monica Montefalcone, a Marine Biology professor at the University of Genoa, and her 23-year-old daughter, Giorgia Somacal, are scheduled to be transported to their hometown, Genoa, on Thursday.

Reports further state that authorities have granted approval to proceed with funeral arrangements following the post-mortem examinations conducted at Gallarate Hospital

The Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched a criminal investigation into the incident on allegations of “manslaughter through negligence.”

Italian authorities have taken custody of the victims’ mobile phones and electronic devices for forensic examination. The devices were reportedly brought back to Italy by Professor Stefano Venin, who had been travelling with the group.

A comprehensive report confirming the definitive cause of death is expected to take several weeks.