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Diver Drowned in Maldives; Husband Dies Days Later
30 Jan
Summary
- Experienced diver Elaine Richmond drowned after being caught in a strong current.
- Her husband, Malcolm Richmond, fell ill and died five days after her passing.
- The couple, experienced divers, were on a holiday in the Maldives.
An inquest heard on Friday, January 30, 2026, about the tragic deaths of Elaine and Malcolm Richmond, experienced divers from Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Elaine Richmond, 70, drowned on December 19, 2025, off the Maldivian island resort of Ellaidhoo. She was caught in a strong current during a dive.
Her husband, Malcolm Richmond, 71, who was also in the water, raised the alarm. Tragically, Elaine's body was recovered shortly after. The cause of death was recorded as drowning and asphyxiation by a Maldivian hospital.
Malcolm Richmond fell ill on December 21, 2025, while at Male airport awaiting their flight home. He was admitted to a hospital in the capital city, Male, where he died on December 24, 2025. The cause of his death was determined to be acute alcohol intoxication leading to cardiac arrest.
