AGP Executive Report

Eid Community Push: Dhiraagu’s Eid Bondibaiy drew big crowds after Eid prayers in Malé and Hulhumalé, with packs distributed via HDC in Hulhumalé and Malé City Council in Malé—plus support for island celebrations nationwide. Tourism & Culture Spotlight: Visit Maldives is also spotlighting Eid traditions beyond resorts, with daily coverage from Meedhoo in Raa Atoll highlighting customs like Vedhuma Dhiyun and Bodu Mas. Scam Crackdown: An international anti-scam operation netted 3,018 suspects tied to about $752m in losses, with the Maldives listed among the territories targeted. Travel Woes Abroad: An Australian budget travel firm, AVG Travels, has entered liquidation, leaving some customers out of pocket as trips are cancelled or “under review.” Regional Tech Debate: A Sri Lanka piece argues the country’s “digital future” is being held back by delays in approvals for 5G home broadband despite spectrum being paid for.

Diplomatic Thanks: Italy’s Ambassador in Finland, Nicola Todaro Marescotti, publicly thanked Finnish cave divers for helping recover the bodies of five Italians lost in Vaavu Atoll on May 14, reading a letter from Italy’s foreign minister praising their “courage” and “sense of humanity.” Trade Boost: Maldives government says the UK’s tariff suspension on fish could double earnings, with fisheries already making up about 90% of Maldivian exports to the UK. Eid Message: President Dr. Muizzu used Eid al-Adha to urge faith, compassion, unity, and responsible celebration. Aviation Watch: Saudia took delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, positioning it for longer-range network growth that could include Maldives routes. Sports Spotlight: India thrashed Maldives 11-0 in the SAFF Women’s opener, while Bangladesh’s build-up for their next match was disrupted by poor ground conditions. Tourism & Lifestyle: Eid promotions and resort anniversary campaigns continue across Malé and islands, including Dhiraagu’s app-based Eid offers.

SAFF Women’s Championship: India kicked off its campaign in Goa with a brutal 11-0 demolition of Maldives, led by Aveka Singh’s four goals as the Blue Tigresses piled on early and never let up. Regional Sports: In the same tournament, Nepal edged Bhutan 1-0 thanks to a “lucky” goal, while Kyrgyzstan’s women were beaten 3-0 by Nepal in a separate CAVA volleyball zonal event. Travel & Visas: Sri Lanka rolled out a free 30-day Electronic Travel Authorisation for tourists from 40 countries (including India), with double entry allowed—though travellers still need the ETA before arrival. Maldives Tourism Pulse: Ahead of Eid, Dhiraagu is set to distribute Eid Bondibaiy packs in Malé and Hulhumalé, keeping the focus on community traditions. Aviation Watch: Saudia welcomed its first Airbus A321XLR, with early plans that include Malé in the Maldives network.

SAFF Women’s Football: India crushed Maldives 11-0 in the SAFF Women’s Championship opener in Goa, with Aveka Singh firing four goals and two assists as the hosts set the tone for a title push. International Fixtures: Afghanistan will open the Maldives Diamond Jubilee International Tournament against the host nation on June 1, with Bangladesh and Pakistan following. Tourism Policy: Sri Lanka rolled out a free 30-day on-arrival ETA for tourists from 40 countries (including India and Maldives-linked reciprocal partners), but travellers still must apply for the ETA before arrival. Maldives Sports & Community: Dhiraagu continues Eid Bondibaiy distributions in Malé and Hulhumalé, while excitement builds in Addu ahead of the Visit Maldives Burunu Lite fishing tournament. Safety Spotlight: The week’s biggest Maldives story remains the fatal Vaavu Atoll cave-diving tragedy, with autopsies set to begin as bodies are repatriated.

Maldives Diving Tragedy: Investigators believe five Italian divers and an instructor died after a fatal wrong turn inside a near-dark cave, with near-zero visibility and a sandbank optical illusion trapping them far beyond recreational limits. Public Health: The Health Protection Agency is urging Eid caution as dengue, flu and measles concerns rise, warning people to stay home if sick and protect against mosquitoes. Law & Order: Police in Hulhumalé arrested two young men after finding 48 bottles of beer during a patrol. Sports: India’s women’s team opens the SAFF Women’s Championship in Goa against Maldives, with India ranked far higher and aiming to reclaim the title. Tourism Mood: A new report says more travellers are reconsidering Maldives holidays in 2026, citing costs and travel disruptions. Regional Ties: Maldives also marked International Day for Biological Diversity with a Hulhumalé coastal cleanup alongside India, collecting over 125kg of plastic.

Maldives Cave Dive Fallout: The hunt for the five Italian divers in Vaavu Atoll is still dominating the week’s news, with fresh reporting saying the victims were “minutes from the surface” when they died and that key cave-diving gear may have been missing—while autopsies and investigations continue in Italy. Public Health Ahead of Eid: The Health Protection Agency is urging caution as Dengue, flu-like illness and colds rise, with measles cases confirmed in Greater Malé and IGMH setting up a dedicated fever-and-rash help desk. Eid Season Moves: Dhiraagu launched its “Bodumas Beynun” Eid promotion with daily scratch rewards and bonus data, and Visit Maldives is preparing daily island Eid coverage from Raa Atoll Meedhoo. Local Policing: Two men were arrested in Hulhumalé after police found 48 bottles of beer during a patrol. Diplomacy & Security: Maldives and Egypt signed an internal-security MoU, and MNDF joined India’s PRAGATI 2026 exercise. Sports Spotlight: In Goa, India kick off the SAFF Women’s Championship against Maldives, while Bangladesh name an all-local preliminary Olympic squad for a Maldives-hosted tournament.

Vaavu Atoll Dive Aftermath: Maldives authorities and DAN Europe have released initial findings from the Vaavu Atoll cave recovery, describing a complex search inside the Dhekunu Kandu/Thinwana Kandu system and warning that disturbed sand can slash visibility—while the latest reporting adds that the five Italian divers were reportedly minutes from the surface and may have lacked proper cave-diving gear, as police investigations continue and autopsies are set to follow repatriations. Public Health: IGMH has opened a dedicated fever-and-rash help desk as measles cases rise, urging masks and prompt assessment for suspected symptoms. Security Cooperation: Maldives and Egypt signed an MoU to boost internal security ties, including specialised training and information-sharing. Sports: India named its 23-player women’s squad for SAFF 2026 in Goa, with Maldives the opening opponent on May 25. Business/Trade: Smartphone imports in Nepal hit record levels this fiscal year—an external sign of rising regional demand that could ripple into travel and telecom markets.

Maldives Cave Dive Aftermath: Five Italian tourists who died in Vaavu Atoll’s Dhekunu Kandu cave were “minutes from the surface” when they vanished, with rescuers saying the group lacked key cave gear and that “tragic human error” may have played a major role; the recovery also cost the life of Maldivian diver Staff Sgt Mohamed Mahdhee, and authorities have launched separate investigations into the deaths and the recovery diver’s fatality. Public Accountability Push: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu says a Citizens’ Complaints Bureau will start by July 26, taking complaints around the clock via multiple channels, with AI support and a 24-hour call centre. Sports Spotlight: India’s Blue Tigresses named a 23-player squad for the SAFF Women’s Championship in Goa, opening against the Maldives on May 25. Regional Watch: Israel says its Gaza flotilla interceptions are backed by international law, while activists and governments continue to condemn the actions.

Citizen Services Overhaul: President Muizzu says the Maldives Citizens’ Complaints Bureau will go live by July 26, running from the President’s Office with 24/7 handling, an AI-backed system, and multiple ways to file complaints—from phone and email to social media and the GEMS platform. Airport Readiness: With Eid al-Adha travel ramping up, MACL urges passengers to arrive early at Velana International Airport and follow airline reporting times through May 31. Cave Tragedy Update: DAN Europe and Finnish recovery divers say they’ve recovered key materials and bodies from the Vaavu Atoll cave system, while investigators continue to focus on how divers may have become disoriented in a maze-like environment. Defence Talks: The Maldives and the UK held discussions to strengthen defence cooperation, including training links with the MNDF. Tourism & Families: Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives launched a family-focused “Mirage Escape Package,” adding day-use options and access to water facilities.

Maldives Diving Tragedy: New first pictures from the Vaavu Atoll “shark cave” show the underwater passages plunging into darkness, as investigators and elite Finnish divers continue probing how five Italians and a Maldivian rescue diver died during a 160ft dive; Italian authorities have seized phones, computers and dive gear, and attention is turning to whether a wrong turn and low-visibility “sand wall” effect left the group trapped as oxygen ran out. Press Freedom: Human Rights Watch says two Maldivian journalists were jailed on criminal charges tied to a documentary alleging misconduct by President Muizzu—an unprecedented step since the 2008 constitution. Environment & Diplomacy: The Maldives and the EU signed a €4m grant for community mangrove protection, while the government reiterated its commitment to the One China Principle. Regional Watch: The IOTC meeting in Malé eased yellowfin tuna curbs amid sustainability debate.

Maldives Cave Tragedy: Five Italian divers’ deaths are now tied to a new theory: Finnish divers say the group may have taken the wrong passage and ended up in a dead-end corridor inside Vaavu Atoll’s “shark cave,” with bodies found deep in the cave complex after a high-risk, multi-day recovery. EU–Maldives Environment: The EU has signed a €4 million grant deal with the Maldives to back community-led mangrove conservation and regeneration, aiming to boost coastal resilience and climate adaptation. Diplomacy: The Maldives reaffirmed its commitment to the One China Principle, reiterating Taiwan is part of China under UN Resolution 2758. Press Freedom: Human Rights Watch says two Maldivian journalists were jailed on criminal charges, calling it an unprecedented step since the 2008 constitution. Regional Sports: Bahrain named its 14-player squad for Asian Games cricket qualifiers in Singapore, with the Maldives placed in the same qualification pool as Oman and Singapore.

Maldives Cave Tragedy: Finnish divers say the five Italians who died in Vaavu Atoll’s “shark cave” may have taken the wrong tunnel on the way out, ending in a dead-end corridor—while recovery teams have now pulled the final two bodies, bringing the operation to a close. Forensics & Final Moments: rescuers also shared that GoPro footage from the divers’ last moments was recovered, and investigators are expected to use it to understand what went wrong. Health & Safety: the case continues to spark debate over dive limits and cave navigation, as divers and officials compare theories—from “sand wall illusion” to other explanations. Regional Watch: Maldives also reaffirmed its One China policy, and Dhiraagu launched free home contents Takaful for new fibre subscribers. Gaza Flotilla: outside the Maldives, at least 87 activists kidnapped by Israeli forces have begun a hunger strike, with Israel later saying foreign detainees were deported.

Cave Dive Aftermath: Maldives authorities have recovered the last two bodies of the four Italians who died deep inside a Vaavu Atoll underwater cave, ending a tense multi-day operation led by Finnish technical divers with Maldives coastguard and police support; the victims were identified as Muriel Oddenino and Giorgia Sommacal, with earlier recoveries bringing up Monica Montefalcone and Federico Gualtieri, while officials say repatriation procedures with Italy are now underway. Press Freedom Crackdown: Human Rights Watch says two journalists were arrested in May and charged for false adultery allegations after police raided independent outlet Adhadhu, as the Maldives faces renewed scrutiny over media freedom. Trade Boost: President Muizzu welcomed Britain’s suspension of 20% tariffs on Maldivian tuna exports, calling it a win for fishermen and market access. Public Health Watch: The HPA confirmed seven measles cases and 74 contacts, urging vigilance for symptoms. Safety Advisory: Coastal fishermen were warned not to venture into the sea until May 25 due to rough, windy conditions.

Vaavu Cave Tragedy: Maldives authorities have recovered the last two bodies of the five Italian divers who died in a deep underwater cave at Vaavu Atoll, ending a multi-day operation. Presidential spokesman Mohamed Hussain Shareef said the final pair—Giorgia Sommacal and Muriel Oddenino—were brought to the surface by Finnish technical divers with Maldives coastguard and police support, and will now be identified and repatriated to Italy. Justice & Accountability: Italy has opened a culpable homicide investigation into the deaths, while an autopsy process is underway and prosecutors are expected to examine what went wrong. Gaza Flotilla Fallout: Separately, Israel says 430 Gaza-bound flotilla activists have been transferred to Israeli vessels, as detainees launch a hunger strike and multiple countries—including the Maldives—condemn the interception. Regional Security: India’s PRAGATI 2026 counter-terror exercise has begun in Meghalaya with Maldives among 12 participating nations. Trade Update: Maldives welcomed Britain’s decision to suspend 20% tariffs on Maldivian tuna exports, calling it a boost for fisheries.

Maldives Cave Dive Tragedy: Rescue teams in Vaavu Atoll have recovered the bodies of four missing Italian divers from the “shark cave” system, days after five Italians and a Maldivian military diver died during a deep expedition; officials say the victims were found deep inside the cave’s largest section, while investigators are still probing what went wrong, including whether the group went beyond planned depth and whether proper precautions were taken. Recovery Mission Under Scrutiny: A sixth death occurred during the search when a military diver died, and authorities have launched investigations, with Rome also opening a culpable homicide probe. Gaza Flotilla Fallout: In parallel, the Maldives and nine other countries condemned Israel’s renewed assaults on the Global Sumud Flotilla, with Israel saying 430 Gaza-bound activists were transferred to Israeli vessels; Indonesia says nine Indonesians were arrested. Regional Rights Watch: A new report warns conflicting child-marriage laws across South Asia leave girls unprotected, highlighting weak enforcement and loopholes.

Cave Dive Aftermath: Maldivian authorities say Finnish specialist divers have recovered two bodies from the “shark cave” in Vaavu Atoll—one male and one female—bringing the death toll from last week’s deep-water expedition to four, with the remaining two expected to be brought up on Wednesday; officials describe “very challenging” conditions like poor visibility and strong currents, and the government is still probing what went wrong, including whether the divers went deeper than expected and whether all permits were valid. Family Grief: The boyfriend of diver Giorgia Sommacal says he’ll keep waiting for her, still unable to understand how she died. Regional Diplomacy: Indonesia and other countries, including the Maldives, have condemned Israel’s interception of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, calling it a blatant violation of international law and demanding detained crews be released.