Five Italian nationals died during a scuba diving trip in Vaavu Atoll, Maldives, on Thursday, according to Italy’s foreign ministry.
"Following an accident that occurred during a scuba diving trip, five Italian nationals have died in the Vaavu Atoll, in the Maldives," the ministry said in a brief statement.
"The divers are believed to have died while attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 metres (164ft)," it said.
Four of the victims were part of a University of Genoa team: Monica Montefalcone, a professor of ecology; her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, a student; research fellow Muriel Oddenino; and marine biology graduate Federico Gualtieri.
The fifth victim was identified as Gianluca Benedetti, a boat operations manager and diving instructor.
The Maldives’ military said one body had been found in a cave about 60 meters underwater, while the other four divers were believed to be there as well.
Local media reported that the five Italians entered the water on Thursday morning. The crew of the diving vessel reported them missing after they failed to resurface.