Italy has posthumously awarded its Gold Medal for Civil Valour to Maldives National Defence Force Sergeant First Class Mohamed Mahudhee.
The medal, Italy’s highest civilian distinction for acts of courage, was presented to Mahudhee’s family during a reception in Malé marking Italian National Day and 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Italian Ambassador Damiano Francovigh and Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed jointly presented the award. Mahudhee died in May after developing decompression sickness while taking part in the search for four Italian divers who went missing in an underwater cave off Vaavu Alimathaa.
He was part of the first MNDF team that responded to the incident on 14 May. One diver’s body was recovered that day; the remaining four were later recovered with the help of specialist cave divers from Finland.
Mahudhee was laid to rest with full military honours. President Mohamed Muizzu and senior officials attended the funeral.
The Italian Embassy in Colombo and the Honorary Consular Agency in Malé have also opened a fundraising drive to support Mahudhee’s family. Contributions can be made until the end of the year through a designated account at the Maldives Islamic Bank.
Saeed paid tribute to Mahudhee at the ceremony and acknowledged the support shown by the Italian government and people after the tragedy.
The award recognises Mahudhee’s actions during a high-risk operation at depths exceeding 50 metres.
