The Tourism Ministry has suspended the operating licence of MV Duke of York following a serious diving incident in V. Atoll.
The incident occurred on Thursday after five Italian nationals, including a diving instructor and four tourists, were reported missing during a dive. According to MNDF Coast Guard, the group went missing inside a cave located between depths of 45 and 60 metres.
The body of the diving instructor was later recovered around 60 metres below sea level, while search operations remain ongoing for the four missing tourists. Authorities described the area as a dangerous diving terrain requiring specialised equipment.
The Tourism Ministry said the safari vessel’s licence has been suspended indefinitely pending further investigation. Officials also urged operators to strictly follow safety regulations to ensure the safety of tourists in Maldivian waters.
