Italy has granted the Order of Merit to the three Finnish expert divers who went to Maldives to help retrieve the bodies of five Italian researchers who perished in an underwater cave in Vaavu Atoll earlier this month.

As reported by Finnish broadcaster Yle, the accolade was awarded by Italian President Sergio Mattarella in acknowledgment of the team’s role in the challenging and perilous recovery operation conducted in the Maldives. The three divers, each skilled in deep and cave diving, were sent to the Maldives following the fatalities of the Italian team, which prompted a global reaction.

The Finnish team collaborated with Maldivian officials to strategize and carry out the rescue mission within the cave system near Alimatha, where the Italian researchers were confined. The event also resulted in the death of MNDF Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhy, who passed away during the initial search operation.

Italy stated that the Order of Merit was given to recognize the Finnish divers’ professionalism, bravery, and contribution in an operation that garnered worldwide attention. The honor is among Italy’s most prestigious civilian awards.

The five Italians, among them marine ecologist Monica Montefalcone, perished while investigating a profound underwater cave network thought to have three chambers linked by tight passages. Joint teams retrieved the bodies in phases, with the Finnish experts aiding in the last stage of the operation.