Italian authorities have begun post-mortem examinations on the bodies of five Italian tourists who lost their lives in the recent diving tragedy in the Maldives, as investigators continue efforts to determine exactly what happened inside the underwater cave where the group disappeared.
According to Italian media reports, forensic procedures commenced yesterday at Gallarate Hospital in Varese, located in the Lombardy region of Italy.
Investigators stated that preliminary examinations conducted so far have not revealed any major abnormalities on the bodies. However, forensic experts emphasized that definitive conclusions regarding the cause of death can only be reached after toxicology and histological analyses are completed.
The examinations are being coordinated by forensic specialist Luca Tajana from the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University of Pavia.
According to Tajana, the current leading theory points toward asphyxiation and drowning.
The fatal incident occurred on May 22 during a cave diving expedition in the waters of Vaavu Atoll in the Maldives.
Those who lost their lives were identified as:
- Gianluca Benedetti
- Federico Gualtieri
- Monica Montefalcone
- Giorgia Somacal
- Murial Odenino
Reports indicate that the bodies of Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Somacal, Murial Odenino and Federico Gualtieri were discovered near the entrance of the cave’s third chamber at a depth of approximately 165 feet.
Meanwhile, the body of diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti was located near the entrance leading into that chamber.
Authorities stated that autopsies for Benedetti and Gualtieri were completed yesterday, while examinations for the remaining victims are scheduled to continue today.
Italian prosecutors are also carrying out a broader investigation into the circumstances surrounding the trip.
One key aspect under review is whether the expedition involving Professor Monica Montefalcone and her group was part of an official scientific mission connected to the University of Genoa or a private recreational trip.
While the university has reportedly stated that the expedition was not an official institutional project, lawyers representing some family members have raised questions over that position.
Investigators are additionally analyzing footage recovered from GoPro cameras used by the divers in an attempt to understand how and why the group entered the hazardous cave system.
The final forensic report prepared by Luca Tajana is expected to be submitted to the court within the next 90 days.
Authorities in the Maldives are also conducting their own inquiries into the incident.
