# Missing Navy diver in Strait of Messina

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/missing-navy-diver-in-strait-of-messina
> Updated: 2026-10-09T22:00:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Search operations are underway for Antonio Ridolfi, a 49-year-old Navy marshal from Ancona, who went missing during a dive in the Strait of Messina near Torre Faro between September 15 and September 16. 

On September 17, the Coast Guard discovered red emergency balloons, which may indicate an attempt to signal for help following a medical emergency or equipment failure. While his diving equipment was recovered off the coast of Papardo, the diver remains missing. Rescue efforts involve divers from Palermo, Naples, and Reggio Calabria, supported by motorboats, helicopters, and aircraft, though strong sea currents are complicating the search.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-09: Stintino: Body of missing 32-year-old fisherman recovered

The body of 32-year-old Marcello Fini was recovered near Stintino, Italy, after he went missing while fishing on Friday.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stintino-body-of-missing-32-year-old-fisherman-recovered

### 2026-09-19: Search continues for missing Navy diver in Strait of Messina

Search efforts continue for Antonio Ridolfi, an Italian Navy marshal missing since mid-September after a dive in the Strait of Messina. Emergency equipment has been recovered, but his whereabouts remain unknown

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/search-continues-for-missing-navy-diver-in-strait-of-messina

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Cite as: Missing Navy diver in Strait of Messina. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/missing-navy-diver-in-strait-of-messina