MALDIVES (20 Jan 2009) — Another tourist died while diving in the Maldives. Charles Son, 61, disappeared while exploring the reef at Coco-Palm Boduhithi Resort. The Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard responded to a call for help from employees at the resort and found Son's body at a depth of about 17 meters some 50 meters from where he was last seen. Less than two months ago, another diving accident left a 32-year-old honeymooner dead and his 30-year-old wife missing at Thulhagiri Island Resort. In May 2008, one tourist died and 10 others were injured after the went scuba diving with tanks that contained contaminated air. Strong currents, lack of supervision Coast Guard officials blamed seasonal variations in sea conditions, especially strong currents, and lack of proper supervision for diving-related injuries in the Maldives. According to diving accident statistics kept by the MNDF, diving accidents occur more frequently during the Northeast Monsoon, when currents are stronger and the sea is rougher. The MNDF called on local dive operators to carefully monitor sea conditions and take necessary precautions to ensure that tourists are not injured while diving in the Maldives. | 
