The body of a 34-year-old diver, who had gone missing since Sunday, March 22 during a dive at the “Devil’s Well” in Vouliagmeni, was located on Wednesday, March 25 by rescue teams. However, the recovery operation was not carried out immediately due to the extreme difficulty of the conditions, requiring specialized planning and equipment. Authorities are currently examining three main scenarios that may explain the tragedy, focusing on strong currents, possible entrapment, and disorientation in low-visibility conditions.

A Highly Demanding Recovery Operation

According to reports, rescuers will use specialized gas mixtures in their oxygen tanks to safely reach the significant depth where the body was found. The recovery is expected to take place—barring unforeseen complications—on Saturday, March 28.

During earlier search efforts, a fin and an underwater scooter believed to belong to the diver were discovered, reinforcing the assumption that he had entered the interior of the cave.

An Experienced Diver

The 34-year-old was a professional pilot in civil aviation, working for a Greek-Italian company and living in Voula. Those close to him describe him as a well-liked individual with a strong passion for the sea, diving, and motorsports—activities in which he had considerable experience.

The Three Main Scenarios

Experts are focusing on three possible explanations for how the incident unfolded in such a challenging underwater environment:

• Strong currents: The most likely scenario involves powerful underwater currents that can pull even experienced divers deeper into the cave, making it extremely difficult to return.
• Entrapment: The cave’s narrow passages and sudden directional changes could have trapped the diver inside, especially if he ventured into an unfamiliar section.
• Disorientation and exhaustion: Despite having sufficient oxygen supply and an underwater scooter, the harsh conditions—low visibility and strong currents—can quickly lead to confusion, fatigue, and critical mistakes.

A Dangerous Dive Site

The “Devil’s Well,” located at the second Limanakia bay in Vouliagmeni, is the entrance to an underwater tunnel approximately three meters wide at a depth of 11 meters. The tunnel initially extends horizontally before sloping sharply downward, where currents become particularly strong and dangerous.

The passage stretches roughly 30 meters, leading into a narrow underwater tunnel and eventually into a cave of unknown size. Exploration has only reached about 150 meters, and some believe the system may connect to Lake Vouliagmeni.

Due to its dangers, authorities installed a protective barrier in the 1980s and placed warning signs cautioning divers. One message reads: “Beyond this point, there is nothing worth seeing that is more valuable than your life.”

A History of Fatal Incidents

The site has a tragic history. In September 1978, two American servicemen and a woman attempted to explore the cave but never resurfaced. Despite extensive search efforts, their remains were only discovered decades later, highlighting the extreme risks associated with the location.

How the Search Began

The incident occurred when the diver entered the water with a companion. Shortly afterward, the second diver resurfaced alone and alerted authorities, fearing that his friend had become trapped inside the cave.

A large-scale search operation followed, involving the coast guard, specialized units, and experienced cave divers—an effort described from the outset as particularly challenging.