A retired British couple have died following a reported scuba diving incident while holidaying in the Maldives, according to UK media reports.
Elaine Richmond, 70, and her husband Malcolm Richmond, 71, from Inkersall, Derbyshire, were visiting Ellaidhoo island in the North Ari Atoll over the Christmas period when the incident is believed to have occurred.
Elaine Richmond is reported to have died on 19 December 2025, with her husband Malcolm dying three days later on 22 December.
Although the tragedy has been reported in multiple outlets, no information concerning the nature of the incident that led to their deaths has so far been made public, however, a report in The Times newspaper quoted funeral director Simon Hope as saying that there were ‘no criminal or suspicious circumstances’ surrounding the deaths.
A tribute posted in the Maldives Holidaymakers Facebook group paid tribute to the couple, saying that they were regular visitors to the Maldives and would be sorely missed by both friends and staff at Ellaidhoo resort.
‘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,’ the tribute reads.
‘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.’
An inquest into the couple’s death is scheduled to begin on 30 January 2026 at Chesterfield Town Hall.
