A 27-year-old Chinese tourist, Xie, tragically drowned during a snorkeling excursion while on vacation in the Maldives, leaving his partner Xu devastated and determined to seek justice. The couple arrived in the Maldives on October 10, planning a peaceful getaway at Rasdhoo Stay, a guesthouse run by a Chinese couple in Rasdhoo, Alif Alif Atoll.

According to Xu, who was with Xie on the trip, safety protocols were not followed by the guesthouse and excursion providers. Despite strong ocean currents, Xu claims she was not given a life jacket when requested and that the excursion guides were not properly trained or licensed. Shortly after entering the water at a shark point, Xie went missing, and his body was later found floating face down in the sea.

Xu, who holds a rescue and first aid license, tried to revive Xie with CPR, but despite her efforts and help from other tourists, he could not be saved. Xu has since expressed concerns over the lack of first aid facilities and the absence of licensed staff during the excursion, which she believes amounts to manslaughter rather than mere negligence.

Xu is now working with Maldivian lawyers and has filed a request with the Maldives Police Service to expedite the investigation into Xie’s death, hoping to hold those responsible accountable and ensure future tourists do not face similar risks.