Action
Golden jubilee of British Loyalty wreck commemorated

A special event to commemorate the golden jubilee of the British Loyalty wreck was held Tuesday.
Visit Maldives joined the event, organised by Nalafehi Meedhoo, a non-government organisation based in Meedhoo of Addu City, in association with the Addu City Council.
The event, held at the Maradhoo harbour area, commenced with the unveiling of the logo for the 75th anniversary of the British Loyalty wreck.
It was followed by a cultural dance and a speech by Addu City Mayor Abdulla Sadiq.
Tourism minister Dr Abdulla Mausoom also gave a speech which was followed by a cultural activity and the handing over of the British Loyalty model to the Addu City Mayor.
After this, divers and the VIPs traveled to the shipwreck for the special diving event which was concluded with a special group photo, and the handing over of the certificate of participation to the divers by the minister and the mayor.
The day marks the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the World War II oil tanker in Addu City. The British Loyalty Wreck, which is the biggest shipwreck in Maldives, lies 33 meters underwater between the islands Maradhoo and Hithadhoo.
The British loyalty ship was the former 5,583-tonne oil tanker that was built in 1928 and owned by Palmers Co. Ltd., Newcastle.
The ship was first attacked while it was in the Diego Suarez harbour of Madagascar in 1942 during the Second World War. It was then attacked by a Japanese midget submarine.
While the ship was only slightly damaged, it was taken to the southernmost atoll of Maldives, Addu City, in 1943 as a storage hulk. While the ship was kept at the harbour in Addu Atoll, it was again attacked on March 9, 1944.
However, this attack had not submerged the ship either. It continued to stay on the water for a while until the Loyalty scuttled inside the harbour on January 05, 1946.
Now the British Loyalty ship lies 33 metres under water between the islands Maradhoo and Hithadhoo. The site is easily accessible by boat, as it is less than 25 minutes away even from Gan.
The ship is covered with hard and soft corals that are home to a large number of small fishes. It is also surrounded by groups of fishes, including blue-fin jack and turtles that swim around the ship.
At times, divers also find manta rays and sharks around the Loyalty ship.
Additionally, it is notable that this wreck has been declared a protected area by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Maldives in 2018. This was done to preserve the natural beauty and surroundings.
Excursions
From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.
Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.
The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.
Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.
“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.
For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.
Action
Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

Sun Diving will host a special ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13 October 2025. The event is scheduled to take place at Sunrise Beach, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, offering guests the opportunity to meet the athlete widely recognised as ‘The Deepest Woman in the World.’
Born in Rome in 1992, Zecchini began freediving at the age of 13 and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to reach a depth of 100 metres in free immersion and has since achieved 123 metres in constant weight with monofin. Her career has been celebrated internationally, including in the film Vertical Breath and the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. She continues to advance the sport while promoting awareness of ocean conservation.
The event at Olhuveli will feature an informative talk where Zecchini will reflect on her freediving journey, achievements, and the importance of protecting the marine environment. Guests will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with her and the Sun Diving team. In addition, Sun Diving will organise an interactive beach activity where participants can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow waters under the guidance of instructors. Guests will also be able to capture photographs, collect autographs, and learn more about diving at the dedicated booth, which will highlight special offers from Sun Diving.
“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honour for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Centre Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”
Sun Diving, the official diving division of Sun Siyam Group, provides SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programmes across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard training, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable marine-based activities.
Featured
Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

Dive Butler International, in collaboration with Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is highlighting the achievements of Mara Restelli, recognised as the Maldives’ only certified PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer.
With this rare qualification, Restelli offers a series of exclusive experiences designed to introduce guests of all ages to the art of mermaiding. The programmes range from playful introductory sessions to advanced courses and professional-level Instructor Development Courses (IDC).
“Mermaiding is more than a trend — it is a joyful way to connect with the water, express creativity, and feel empowered,” Restelli explained. “I enjoy watching guests discover confidence, freedom, and a sense of fun in the ocean. It is as much about transformation as it is about adventure.”
As part of Finolhu’s extensive marine offerings, the PADI Mermaid programmes provide an engaging complement to the resort’s diving and snorkelling activities. Participants may learn to glide gracefully underwater in a mermaid tail, capture striking images during professional photo sessions, or pursue advanced training that strengthens skills and deepens their connection with the ocean.
By hosting the Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Development Course, Finolhu reinforces its reputation as a pioneering destination for distinctive and life-enriching marine experiences.
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