Three Finnish cave divers who led the recovery of four Italian divers who died in a cave diving incident in the Maldives have been awarded Italy’s highest civilian honour.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella conferred the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic on Sami Paakkarinen, Jani Vesterlund, and Patrik Grönkvist in recognition of their role in the challenging recovery operation carried out in Vaavu Atoll earlier this year.
The award, announced on May 30, was granted on the personal recommendation of President Mattarella and represents Italy’s highest civilian distinction.
The tragedy occurred on May 14 when five Italian divers became trapped inside an underwater cave system while diving in Vaavu Atoll. The body of dive instructor Gianluca Benedetti was discovered about 50 metres inside the cave, while the bodies of university professor Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, and researchers Muriele Odenino and Federico Gualtieri were later recovered from a tunnel beyond the cave’s second chamber.
The recovery mission initially involved Maldivian military divers. During the first phase of the operation, Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee of the Maldives National Defence Force died after suffering decompression sickness.
Following the suspension of the operation, Divers Alert Network (DAN) Europe deployed the three Finnish cave divers to the Maldives. Between May 17 and May 21, the team successfully completed the complex recovery mission.
Speaking to Finnish broadcaster Yle, Grönkvist said the operation was routine work for their team, but receiving such a prestigious recognition was a unique experience. He noted that the acknowledgement was especially meaningful coming from the Italian government and the families of the victims.
Vesterlund described the conditions inside the cave as extremely challenging, adding that the team did everything possible under difficult circumstances.
Italian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and have taken possession of the divers’ equipment as part of the inquiry.
