Five Italian tourists lost their lives during a diving excursion in the Maldives. Among the victims was reportedly a researcher from Genoa.

The divers were reported missing at around 10:45 a.m. Italian time, prompting authorities to immediately launch a search and rescue operation. A short time later, the bodies of all five missing individuals were recovered.

According to initial reports, the Italian tourists were aboard a privately operated liveaboard diving cruise vessel. The divers carried out a morning dive near the Alimathaa area, but had not resurfaced by midday, leading the crew to alert authorities.

Police announced that an investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the incident, although the exact causes of the tragedy have not yet been determined.

According to the same reports, weather conditions in the diving area were poor. The meteorological service had issued a yellow weather warning for the region, which remained in effect throughout the day.