President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has formally appreciated members of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service for their role in the special diving operation launched following the deaths of five Italian divers in an underwater cave in Vaavu Atoll.

The appreciation was conveyed during a special ceremony attended by Home Minister Ali Ihusaan and Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed, who represented the President.

Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, senior officers from both institutions, and personnel involved in the operation were also present at the ceremony.

The search operation began after five Italian tourists went missing while diving from a safari vessel near Vaavu Atoll on the 14th of last month.

During the operation, MNDF Coast Guard Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhy lost his life while assisting in the search efforts.

Foreign experts were later brought in to support the mission, with three Finnish specialists leading the operation after arriving in the Maldives at the request of the Italian government.

The bodies of the five divers were eventually recovered from the underwater cave, known as V. Alimatha Cave, on May 20 in an incident that drew international attention.

In recognition of their efforts, Italian President Sergio Mattarella awarded the three Finnish divers the Order of Merit, Italy's highest honour, for their role in recovering the bodies.