31st October 2026 – (Malé) A dramatic underwater confrontation circulating online has sparked international concern in the diving community after a Chinese professional coach, known as Xiao Du, reported being surrounded and manhandled at a depth of 18 metres at the famed Kuda Rah Thila site. The incident, which occurred at about 7.36am on 28th October, began amid crowded conditions when an overseas diver allegedly shoved him and made unclear gestures before a fin strike prompted Du to fend the diver off. A second man, described as a guide in white shorts, then swam in and grabbed Du’s arm, triggering a struggle during which the guide reportedly reached for Du’s face in an apparent bid to yank away his mask and the regulator in his mouth, a move that could have been life‑threatening at depth. A third team member approached, adding to the confrontation, while Du said he maintained restraint to prevent further escalation.
After surfacing, Du confronted the group in English and denounced the underwater actions as tantamount to “attempted murder”. He told media he has been diving professionally since 2019 and intends to file a report with local police. Later that evening, Maldives Legend, the operator of one of the vessels involved, confirmed an altercation at Kuda Rah Thila between its divers and guides from the Infinity X boat. The company said safety is its top priority, that statements had been taken from guests, and that the matter had been referred to the relevant authorities for a thorough investigation.