British Diving Couple Die Following Scuba Incident in the Maldives

A British couple have died following a scuba diving incident while holidaying in the Maldives, with reporting by The Telegraph confirming that Elaine and Malcolm Richmond, both in their early seventies, were taking part in a recreational dive during their annual Christmas trip when the incident occurred.

The couple were staying on Ellaidhoo island, a popular dive resort in the North Ari Atoll, where they were well known to staff and other guests after returning to the island every festive season for nearly two decades, according to coverage by The Times which described them as experienced and regular visitors to the destination.

Elaine Richmond died on 19 December 2025, with her husband Malcolm dying three days later on 22 December, and while the precise circumstances of the dive have not been publicly detailed, there are no indications of suspicious circumstances surrounding their deaths and that UK authorities have been assisting the family.

A coroner’s inquest is scheduled to open in Chesterfield later this month after funeral arrangements were finalised.