Maldives: Italy honours MNDF Sgt Mahudhee, opens fund

The Embassy of Italy in Colombo and the Honorary Consular Agency in Malé have launched a fundraising initiative for the family of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Sergeant First Class Mohamed Mahudhee, the Embassy said in a notice dated 19 October 2026.

The Embassy said he lost his life during the recovery operations for the five Italian nationals who went missing while diving in Vaavu Atoll in May 2026.

The MNDF said on 16 May 2026 that Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee got into difficulty while diving during its search and rescue operation in Felidhe Atoll for the missing divers, and died.

Gold Medal for Civil Valour

The Embassy said Sergeant First Class Mahudhee was posthumously awarded the Gold Medal for Civil Valour. It described the medal as the highest distinction conferred by the Italian Republic in recognition of acts of exceptional civil courage.

The Embassy expressed its condolences and solidarity with the family of the late serviceman.

The fundraising initiative

The Embassy said the initiative offers a way to show solidarity and closeness to his loved ones. Contributions are voluntary, according to each person's means. The funds raised will be transferred to his legal heirs, in line with the arrangements set for the initiative. The Embassy said it will ensure transparency in managing the contributions and in allocating them to the intended beneficiaries.

How to contribute

Donations are made by bank transfer to the dedicated account, as listed in the Embassy notice:

• Account name: Sergeant Mahdhee Memorial Fund

• Bank: Maldives Islamic Bank, Head Office, Medhuziyaaraiy Magu, Malé 20097

• Account number: 901 01 53500004 1001

• SWIFT/BIC: MADVMVMVXXX

• Account currency: MVR

• Transfer reference: Donation in Memory of Mohamed Mahudhee by [First Name and Surname]

The fundraising deadline is 31 December 2026. The Embassy lists its Colombo address as 55 Jawatta Road, Colombo 5, telephone +94 11 2588388 and email ambasciata.colombo@esteri.it. Anyone planning to give should check the details on the Embassy's own notice first.