Maldives has broken Italy's world record for the most people freediving simultaneously during 'Neyvaa' freediving event organised by the Ministry of Tourism as part of World Tourism Day 2019 celebrations.

The event took place off the Baros Maldives lagoon area.

“Neyvaa” was Maldives' attempt to break the world record previously held by ‘La Scuola del Mare 2’ (Verona), in Torri del Benaco, Verona. Verona had set the world record for the most people freediving simultaneously on October 11 2009 with 280 people.

President Solih joined 520 others in simultaneous freediving in the lagoon of the resort, staying underwater for around 30 seconds. World champion freediver Willian Trubridge—a double world record holding freediver from New Zealand—also participated in the event.

Officials of Guinness declared the “Neyvaa” event as a new world record and presented the official certificate to President Solih.