Italian divers deployed in a recent rescue operation were found to be using substandard equipment, according to rescue officials. The discovery has prompted questions about the adequacy of safety protocols within the country’s diving units.
A preliminary investigation conducted after the operation revealed that several pieces of equipment, including breathing apparatus and buoyancy control devices, did not meet required technical specifications. The deficiencies were identified during routine post-mission checks and have since been referred to higher authorities for review.
Rescuers involved in the operation described the equipment as “below expected standards,” though they did not specify whether the failure contributed to any operational delays or risks to personnel. The mission, which took place off the coast of Sicily, involved the search for missing individuals following a maritime incident. No injuries were reported among the divers.
The Italian Coast Guard, which oversees such operations, has declined to comment on the findings, citing an ongoing internal review. However, sources close to the matter indicate that the equipment may have been sourced from a supplier previously flagged for quality control issues. This is not the first time that concerns over diving gear have emerged within Italian rescue services. A 2019 audit found similar shortcomings in equipment used by some regional units.
Experts have long warned that substandard equipment in rescue operations can have serious consequences. In high-pressure environments, any failure can compromise diver safety and mission effectiveness. “Diving rescue is inherently risky,” said a former Royal Navy diving officer who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Equipment must be rigorously maintained and regularly tested. Any deviation from established standards is unacceptable.”
The incident has reignited debates about the allocation of resources to Italy’s emergency services. While the country’s coast guard and civil protection agencies are widely respected, budgetary constraints have sometimes led to reliance on older or lower-quality gear. Previous governments had pledged to modernise equipment, but progress has been uneven.
A spokesperson for the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport stated that a full inquiry is underway. “We are taking this matter very seriously,” they said. “The safety of our rescue personnel is paramount. Necessary measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.” The inquiry is expected to conclude within three months, with recommendations for updated procurement procedures and equipment standards.
The development comes as Italy prepares to host a major international conference on maritime safety later this year, where equipment standards are expected to be a key topic. For now, the affected diving unit has been temporarily grounded pending the outcome of the investigation. In the interim, rescue operations will rely on divers from neighbouring regions whose equipment has been certified as compliant.
