Five Italian nationals have died in a scuba diving accident in the Maldives, according to Italy’s foreign ministry.
Authorities say the group disappeared while attempting to explore underwater caves at depths of about 50 metres in the Vaavu Atoll region.
Four of the victims were linked to the University of Genoa, including ecology professor Monica Montefalcone.
The Maldives military says one body has been recovered nearly 60 metres underwater, while the remaining divers are believed to still be inside the cave system.
Officials describe recovery efforts as extremely dangerous.
