British couple killed in scuba diving accident in popular tourist hotspot | World | News

A retired British couple, both experienced divers, have been killed in a scuba diving accident while on holiday in the Maldives. Alaine Richmond, 70, died on December 19 while swimming off the remote island of Ellaidhoo. Her husband, Malcolm, 71, died in hospital three days later.

They are understood to have had an ­“accident” while diving, according to their funeral directors, based in the village of Inkersall in ­Derbyshire, where the couple lived. However, it remains unclear how the couple died, and few other details have emerged.

Simon Hope, of Stubbins and Hope funeral directors, told the Daily Mail that there were no criminal or suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths. An inquest into the deaths is due to be opened at Chesterfield coroner’s court on January 30.

Mr Hope said the couple did not have any children but that their next of kin, a niece living near Manchester, had been informed. 

A post on the funeral director’s website reads: “Elaine and Malcolm Richmond of Inkersall have tragically passed away just days apart at Christmas.

“All who knew them are welcome to attend [the funeral] and celebrate their lives.

“Any donations received will be given to Ashgate Hospice.”

The Richmonds had visited the resort where they died 60 times and had celebrated Christmas there for the past 17 years. The island of Ellaidhoo, located in the North Ari Atoll, 26 miles west of the capital, Malé, is only accessible by seaplane or boat. It boasts a four-star resort with direct ocean access bungalows. It’s renowned for its beautiful house reef, accessible directly from the island, teeming with fish and coral.

Tour groups encourage visitors to “dive into the world of wonder” with one stating: “You won’t regret visiting the underwater guests at Ellaidhoo Maldives”.

A tribute posted on a Facebook group reads: “With deepest regret and sadness, we would like to inform you that two of our dearest members of the Ellaidhoo group Elaine and Malcom Richmond sadly passed away whilst on the Maldives over the Christmas holiday period.

“They were members of Maldives Holidaymakers and they were known to a lot of members but they regularly visited Ellaidhoo. Elaine and Malcolm visited Ellaidhoo over 60 times, three times in 2025, and in addition had been going to the island for the last 17 years at Christmas.

“They will be sadly missed by family and the many friends that they made over their many visits. They were very popular with all the staff they had made friends with and will be sorely missed. RIP Elaine and Malcolm.”