Italy posthumously honours MNDF diver Mahudhee with Gold Medal for Civil Valour

Italy has posthumously awarded its Gold Medal for Civil Valour to Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Sergeant First Class Mohamed Mahudhee, who died during the search for Italian divers who went missing in Vaavu Atoll in May.

The Embassy of Italy in Colombo said in its fundraising notice in memory of Sergeant First Class Mahudhee that the medal is the highest distinction conferred by the Italian Republic in recognition of acts of exceptional civil courage.

The embassy, together with Italy's Honorary Consular Agency in Malé, has also launched a fundraising initiative to support Mahudhee's family. It said the money raised would be transferred to his legal heirs and that it would ensure transparency in how contributions are managed.

How to donate to the Mahudhee memorial fund

Donations can be made by bank transfer to an MVR account at Maldives Islamic Bank named "Sergeant Mahdhee Memorial Fund", account number 901 01 53500004 1001 (SWIFT: MADVMVMVXXX). The embassy asked donors to use the reference "Donation in Memory of Mohamed Mahudhee" followed by their name.

The fundraiser will remain open until 31 December 2026, the embassy said.

What happened during the Vaavu Atoll search

According to the MNDF, the Coast Guard's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre received a report of five missing divers in Vaavu Atoll at 13:45 on 14 May. One of the divers was found that evening inside a cave at a depth of about 60 metres.

The President's Office said the five divers were Italian nationals. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu visited the site to be briefed on the search and conveyed his condolences to Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

The MNDF said Mahudhee died on 16 May while diving during the search and rescue operation for the four remaining divers. His funeral was held with military honours in Malé that night and was attended by President Muizzu.

The MNDF described Mahudhee as an experienced diver with the Coast Guard's diving unit who had served for more than 20 years and also trained others as an open water diving instructor. MNDF flags were flown at half-mast for 48 hours following his death.

The Italian Embassy expressed its condolences to his family and thanked all those taking part in the initiative.

Read more: MNDF seizes three foreign fishing boats in Maldivian waters