Skip to content 
All five bodies of the Italian scuba divers who were killed in the Maldives last week have been recovered. Exactly what happened is not yet concluded; however, what we do know is that they died in the infamous ‘shark cave.’ So what really happens to the body when dying underwater? Here’s all you need to know about the terrifying event that occurs.
On early Wednesday, the last two bodies of the Italian divers killed in the Maldives were recovered, a government spokesperson said per Reuters, completing recovery efforts.
The divers were among a group of five who swam into a deepwater cave for exploration last week in the Vaavu Atoll. The group had been exploring a series of underwater caves at a depth of around 50 meters (165 feet), according to a statement from the foreign ministry. The tragic event is the deadliest-ever diving accident in the Maldives.
The divers had been granted the necessary permit needed to research soft corals.
Maldivian authorities are now investigating what caused the horrifying deaths of the divers. There are multiple causes, with one theory being that they descended deeper than they thought, becoming lost in the cave system.
Exactly how long the divers had been dead for is not yet known. However, what is known is what happens to the body when drowning, including decomposition, which differs in wet environments.
What happens to the body when drowning
When a person is underwater and cannot breathe, the body reacts very quickly because it is being deprived of oxygen.
Per an article published by the American Academy of CPR and First Aid, under certain conditions, drowning can happen in just a few seconds. In many cases, a person may lose consciousness within 1 to 3 minutes of submersion, depending on factors such as age, overall health, and water temperature.
After 4-6 minutes, the brain starts to take damage if oxygen isn’t restored. It is possible that the heart is still beating for a short time; however, it becomes weaker and beats irregularly. The body responds to drowning when the brain detects a lack of oxygen (hypoxia).
The nervous system activates protective mechanisms, prioritizing blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and brain. This is why basic life support training is essential for rescuers.