The Maldivian diver who was found dead in a lagoon near AA Ukulhas died from ruptured lungs after possibly exceeding safe depth limits, says the island council.
Ali Fizal, 28, (Irumatheege, Ukulhas) was on Wednesday found 43 metres underwater at the “Maa Thila” dive site, located near Ukulhas. Police says that, before the discovery, a search operation was conducted that day after he was reported missing.
According to the council, Fizal went on a diving trip with some friends in Malé after concluding his Eid prayers.
The council added that after his body was discovered, he was taken to the atoll’s Kuramathi Resort, where doctors said that Fizal died from ruptured lungs, which was likely caused due by diving beyond the safe depth limits.
Such incidents are known as "barotrauma" which is triggered by a difference in pressure, and the unbalanced force due to this pressure difference causes deformation of the tissues resulting in cell rupture. It is a life-threatening factor in diving accidents.
It was revealed that Fizal - who ran a guest house with his family - was an experienced swimmer and free diver.
He is survived by his wife and two-year-old child. His wife is pregnant with his second child.
On the same day, a French tourist drowned while snorkeling in the lagoon at AA. Atoll’s Nika Resort.