The long-standing dive schools of Werner Lau on Filitheyo and Medhufushi in the Maldives will close on November 17, 2025, following the decision of island operator AAA not to renew contracts with the company.
In a statement posted on social media, Werner and Lilly Lau explained, “On September 17 we were informed by AAA that our contracts would not be renewed and that we must vacate the dive schools by November 17. Our proposals for an extension until April, to allow for a smooth transition, were ignored.”
According to the Laus, AAA also asked dive staff if they would be willing to transfer employment to the island operator, which was unanimously declined. “The island operators want to run the dive schools themselves,” they added, noting that they had also refused AAA’s request to purchase equipment at reduced cost.
The closure marks the end of a decades-long partnership between Werner Lau and AAA, spanning 37 years, including 26 years on Filitheyo and 25 years on Medhufushi.
While diving on both islands is expected to continue under new management, Werner Lau emphasised that neither existing staff nor equipment would remain after November 16, and further details on future operations are not yet known.
The company confirmed it will continue to operate its dive centre on Bathala and remain active at Canareef in cooperation with Diverland.
Comments
