Five Italians died during a dive in the Vaavu Atoll in the Maldives, at a depth of 50 meters.

Five Italian divers died in a tragic diving accident in the Maldives, according to an announcement from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The incident occurred in the Vaavu Atoll, where the divers were attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 meters. Maldivian authorities found a body at approximately 60 meters underwater and believe that the other four divers are in the same area.

The search operation, which involves specially equipped divers, is considered high-risk. The five Italians entered the water on Thursday morning, and the diving crew declared them missing after they did not resurface. The weather in the area has been difficult, and authorities issued a yellow warning for passenger vessels.

The University of Genoa confirmed that among the victims is a marine biology professor, her daughter, and two young researchers. Although diving accidents are rare in the Maldives, several deaths in such activities have been reported in recent years.