British Couple Die After Diving Incident in Maldives

A British couple, Elaine Richmond, 70, and her husband Malcolm Richmond, 71, have died following a diving-related incident near Ellaidhoo island in the Maldives in December 2025. Elaine died on December 19 while diving near the island in Alif Dhaal Atoll, while Malcolm passed away three days later, on December 22, while receiving hospital treatment.

The exact cause of the incident has not yet been disclosed. An inquest to determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths is scheduled for January 30 at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court in the United Kingdom.

The couple were long-time visitors to the Maldives and well-known members of the Maldives Holidaymakers community. Over the past 17 years, they had visited the Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon resort more than 60 times, frequently spending their Christmas holidays there. Tributes from fellow holidaymakers described them as deeply valued members of the community.

Ellaidhoo island, located about 42 kilometres from Malé City, is a popular destination for diving enthusiasts. As of now, neither the resort management nor Maldivian authorities have issued an official statement on the incident.