A 51 year-old Italian tourist died in a boat propeller accident while snorkeling on Thursday afternoon (January 31) near Elaa Island in Thaa Atoll.
Minivan News spoke to Veymandoo Regional Hospital Manager Abdulla Mauroof about the incident, who confirmed that the woman was pronounced dead on arrival.
According to Mauroof, the woman suffered a “major injury to her skull”.
“Her body is still being held under police charge at the hospital and a police forensics team has been dispatched,” Mauroof added.
The snorkeling accident was reported at 14:50. The dive boat operator has not been confirmed at this time.
Veymandoo police are currently investigating the incident.
Snorkeling deaths
During 2012, tourist deaths – usually while snorkelling – were disproportionately higher among Chinese tourists, who now account for a majority of Maldives tourist arrivals compared to the country’s traditional European markets.
In October 2012, a 26 year-old male from China staying at Alif Dhaal Atoll Vakafaru resort was suspected to have died in a snorkelling accident at the property.
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