The National Boating Association of Maldives has called for a formal investigation into an underwater altercation involving divers from the liveaboards Maldives Legend and Infinity X.
A video circulating on social media shows divers engaged in a physical struggle at approximately 18 metres depth at the Kuda Rah Thila site in South Ari Atoll. One account, given by a Chinese instructor identified as Xiao Du, claims that members of the other group pushed him, struck him with fins and attempted to remove his mask and regulator. The incident is reported to have occurred on 28 October amid crowded conditions at the site.
The association urged the Maldives Police Service and the Ministry of Tourism to conduct an impartial inquiry and cautioned against premature public accusations that could damage the reputation of the local boating and diving industries. It also raised questions about the beneficial ownership of foreign-operated vessels trading under domestic registration.
Maldives Legend has confirmed that an altercation took place between its guests and guides from Infinity X and said the matter has been referred to the authorities. No injuries were reported in the accounts available so far.
