The military and law enforcement have been officially recognized for their role in the specialized diving mission after the fatalities of five Italian divers within an underwater cave in Vaavu Atoll.

The search effort began after five tourists disappeared while diving from a safari close to Vaavu Atoll on the 14th of the previous month.

A soldier participating in the search effort also lost his life during the operation. He was recognized as MNDF Coast Guard Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhy.

Home Minister Ali Ihusaan and Defense Minister Hassan Rasheed stood in for the President at an event honoring the soldiers and police officers involved in the operation.

The event was graced by Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed, Chief of Defense Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, along with high-ranking officials from both organizations.

Officers from the police and military who took part in the diving mission at the atoll were also there.

Experts from abroad were brought in to help in the search for the missing Italian divers. The operation was subsequently directed by three Finnish experts who came to the Maldives upon the request of the Italian government.

The remains of the tourists were retrieved from the cave in which they had been diving, V. Alimatha Cave.

Their remains were found on May 20, in an event that garnered global interest.

The three Finnish divers have been awarded Italy’s highest honor, the Order of Merit, by President Sergio Mattarella for their work in retrieving the bodies.