Italian authorities are investigating the death of a recreational diver after he was found with serious head injuries following a dive in the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area, with investigators examining whether he may have been struck by a passing boat.
The victim, identified by Italian media as Luigi Belardo, 54, disappeared during an organised recreational dive near Marina di Puolo, between Sorrento and Massa Lubrense, on 12 July 2026.
Belardo was diving with a group supported by a dive centre based in Castellammare di Stabia. When the rest of the group surfaced at the end of the dive, he failed to return, prompting an immediate search involving fellow divers and the Italian Coast Guard.
After approximately two hours, search teams located his body at a depth of around 30 metres (98 feet).
Investigation Focuses on Head Injuries
The exact circumstances surrounding Belardo’s death remain unclear.
Prosecutors have opened an investigation and ordered an autopsy to establish the cause of death.
According to multiple Italian media outlets, investigators observed significant head injuries and are examining whether they may be consistent with contact from a boat propeller. Authorities have not confirmed that a vessel was involved, and no official cause of death has been announced.
Investigators are also considering other possibilities, including whether the diver may have suffered a medical emergency before sustaining the injuries. Officials have stressed that all scenarios remain under investigation.
Popular Dive Site Draws Divers and Boaters
The Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area occupies the western tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula, where the Bay of Naples meets the Gulf of Salerno. The reserve is internationally recognised for its dramatic underwater topography, caves, archaeological sites and rich Mediterranean marine life, making it one of Italy’s most popular diving destinations.
During the summer season, the same coastline also attracts significant recreational boat traffic, with dive boats, private vessels and tourist craft operating in close proximity to established dive sites.
While investigators have not confirmed that a vessel played any role in this incident, the reported focus on possible propeller injuries has drawn attention to the risks associated with sharing busy coastal waters.
Boat Strikes Remain a Serious Hazard
Although relatively uncommon, collisions between boats and divers remain among the most serious hazards faced by recreational divers in busy coastal areas.
Divers are encouraged to use delayed surface marker buoys (DSMBs) where appropriate, display recognised dive flags, and surface cautiously in areas with vessel traffic. Likewise, boat operators should remain vigilant around known dive sites, observe navigation restrictions and maintain safe speeds in waters where divers may be present.
Whether any of these factors contributed to this incident will ultimately be determined by investigators.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are expected to release further information once the autopsy has been completed and forensic examinations are finalised.
The Scuba News will continue to follow the investigation and publish updates as official information becomes available.
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