In the ongoing investigation into the dramatic incident involving five Italian divers in a Maldives cave system, Carlo Sommacal has come forward with strong statements about his wife Monica Montefalcone’s final dive. The renowned marine biologist and her group entered the water on May 14, 2026, in Vaavu Atoll and have not resurfaced as planned. New reports of abnormal oxygen readings from recovered equipment are now intensifying questions about what exactly went wrong at depth.
Carlo Sommacal, Monica’s husband, has repeatedly told Italian media that his wife was one of the world’s most skilled and careful divers. “The only certainty I have is that my wife is among the best divers on the face of the earth. She would never have put our daughter’s life or that of others at risk,” he said. He keeps stressing: “Something must have been wrong down there. Maybe one diver got into trouble, maybe the oxygen cylinders — I have no idea.” His words are gaining new attention as investigators examine abnormal oxygen data from the dive computers and tanks.
Diving experts point out that at depths of 50-55 meters and beyond inside the cave, oxygen levels can become extremely dangerous if the gas mix is incorrect or if equipment malfunctions. Abnormal oxygen readings could indicate issues such as contaminated air, wrong gas blends, regulator problems, leaks, or unusually rapid consumption caused by strong currents and stress in the confined space. One tank recovered early in the operation was reported to be nearly empty, adding to the focus on gas management and pre-dive preparations aboard the liveaboard Duke of York.
The group — Monica Montefalcone (52, associate professor at the University of Genoa), her daughter Giorgia Sommacal (around 22, biomedical engineering student), research fellow Muriel Oddenino, recent graduate and diving instructor Federico Gualtieri, and operations manager Gianluca Benedetti — was diving in a complex cave system near Alimathaa island. The entrance sits at approximately 50-55 meters, with chambers potentially extending much deeper. Conditions included strong currents in the Devana Kandu channel and a yellow weather warning with rough seas.
This was not an official university scientific mission, though it aligned closely with the team’s expertise in marine ecology, coral monitoring, and underwater ecosystems. A sixth University of Genoa student reportedly decided not to join at the last minute.
The Duke of York liveaboard has had its license suspended while authorities examine dive planning, gas certification, equipment checks, and adherence to depth and time limits. Recreational diving in the Maldives is generally advised to stay within 30 meters, making this a highly technical operation that required advanced training and careful gas management.
Carlo Sommacal has expressed hope that his wife’s GoPro camera, which she regularly used for documentation, may eventually help clarify the sequence of events once it is recovered. He described his last contact with Monica as a normal, light-hearted message about their cats at home, underscoring how unexpected the situation feels.
Monica Montefalcone is a leading figure in marine ecology, known internationally for her work on Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows, marine caves, coralligenous habitats, and the effects of climate change. As an associate professor at the University of Genoa’s DiSTAV department, she has led research projects on habitat mapping and restoration across the Mediterranean and collaborated on monitoring efforts in the Maldives. Colleagues describe her as a dedicated field scientist, generous mentor, and effective science communicator who appeared on Italian television to explain ocean issues to the public.
Hours before the dive, she sent a message to a colleague highlighting the importance of observing the underwater world directly “with our own eyes or through the lens of a robot.” Her daughter Giorgia shared her mother’s enthusiasm for science and the sea.
Recovery and investigation operations in the cave have proven extremely difficult due to low visibility, silt, narrow passages, and challenging currents. A Maldivian National Defence Force diver participating in the search operation required urgent medical attention after surfacing and later faced serious complications. International specialists from Italy and Finland have been called in to support the complex technical efforts.
Maldivian authorities, working alongside Italian investigators and the University of Genoa, are conducting a thorough review. Key areas of focus include the gas mixtures used, dive computer data, weather and current conditions, group experience levels, and any possible equipment anomalies. The abnormal oxygen readings are considered a critical piece of the puzzle that could explain a sudden cascade of problems in the dark, confined environment.
This high-profile case has sparked intense discussion within the international diving community about safety standards for technical and cave diving on liveaboards. Many experts emphasize that dives at these depths and in overhead environments demand specialized cave training, precise gas planning (often using trimix rather than standard air), and strict adherence to turnaround times and decompression protocols.
Carlo Sommacal continues to seek answers while supporting the family’s remaining son, Matthew, who is still in high school. The family met in Milan and later settled in Genoa because of Monica’s deep love for the sea. Now they face an agonizing wait for clearer information and the return of those involved.
As analysis of the abnormal oxygen data and other evidence continues, the incident serves as a powerful reminder of the immense challenges and risks inherent in exploring deep underwater cave systems — even for highly experienced and passionate divers. The sea that Monica Montefalcone dedicated her career to studying continues to hold many unanswered questions.
Investigations are expected to take weeks or months. The diving world watches closely, hoping the findings will prevent similar situations in the future and bring much-needed clarity to the families waiting onshore.
Để lại một bình luận