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Diver Drowns in Maldives; Husband Dies Days Later
30 Jan
Summary
- An experienced diver drowned after being caught in a strong current.
- Her husband raised the alarm but died five days later from alcohol intoxication.
- An inquest is underway, with further inquiries planned with Maldivian authorities.
An experienced diver, Elaine Richmond, died on December 19, 2025, off the Maldivian island resort of Ellaidhoo. She was reportedly pulled into a strong current during a dive. Her husband, Malcolm Richmond, also an experienced diver, was in the water and raised the alarm. Tragically, Elaine's body was recovered shortly thereafter, with the local hospital citing drowning and asphyxiation as the cause of death.
Just five days later, on December 24, 2025, Malcolm Richmond died in a hospital in Male. He had become ill at Male airport while waiting for their flight home. His cause of death was attributed to acute alcohol intoxication, which resulted in cardiac arrest. An inquest into both deaths opened on Friday, January 29, 2026, with further inquiries to be made with Maldivian authorities.
