Italy has posthumously awarded the Gold Medal for Civil Valour to Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Sergeant First Class Mohamed Mahudhee.
The medal is Italy’s highest distinction recognising acts of civil bravery. It was presented to Mahudhee’s family at a ceremony marking Italian National Day and 60 years of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Italy.
Italian Ambassador Damiano Francovigh and Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed presented the award at Barceló Nasandhura in Malé. A fundraising campaign has also been launched to support the family.
Mahudhee died in May 2026 after developing decompression sickness while participating in the search for five Italian divers who went missing in an underwater cave in Vaavu Atoll. He was brought to ADK Hospital in Malé, where he passed away.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and senior officials attended his funeral. The search operation was later completed with assistance from Finnish divers.
Sources: Adhadhu, Atoll Times
