Italian Scuba Divers' Bodies Repatriated Amid Manslaughter Investigation
The bodies of four Italian scuba divers who drowned in an underwater cave in the Maldives have been repatriated to Italy. The deceased include Monica Montefalcone, a marine biologist, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, researcher Muriel Oddenino, and recent graduate Federico Gualtieri. Their bodies were recovered by Finnish divers and returned to Italy, where autopsies are scheduled. The incident, which occurred in Vaavu Atoll, is being investigated by Roman prosecutors as a case of culpable homicide. The divers reportedly exceeded the Maldives' legal recreational diving limits without proper training or equipment, leading to their deaths. The Italian boat operator and the University of Genoa, which sent some of the researchers on a scientific mission, have distanced themselves from the tragedy, stating the deep dive was unauthorized. 
