President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended his heartfelt condolences following the death of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahdi, who lost his life while taking part in a search and rescue operation in Vaavu Atoll.

In a message shared on social media, the President expressed profound sadness over Mahudhee’s passing and conveyed his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family, loved ones, and the entire MNDF.

Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef and Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla also extended their condolences, expressing sorrow over the loss of a serviceman who died in the line of duty while serving the nation.

The MNDF confirmed that Staff Sergeant Mahdi died on Saturday while diving as part of an operation to locate four missing divers in Vaavu Atoll.

The MNDF stated that the mission was a high-risk and hazardous operation. Mahudhee is reported to have suffered complications related to decompression while underwater. He was immediately transported to ADK Hospital, where emergency treatment was administered, but he later succumbed.

The search operation was launched after five Italian divers went missing during a diving excursion in Vaavu Atoll.

The body of one diver has since been recovered, while the remaining four are believed to be trapped inside an underwater cave, the MNDF said.