5 tourists killed in cave diving accident; search underway for bodies
The University of Genoa said the victims included a marine biology professor, her daughter and two young researchers.
Updated on: May 15, 2026 / 7:23 AM EDT / CBS/AFP
Five Italians have died in a scuba diving accident in the Maldives, Italy's foreign ministry said on Thursday, with security forces in the Indian Ocean archipelago recovering one body.
The string of coral islands is a luxury holiday destination popular with divers, who often stay at remote resorts or on liveaboard dive boats.
"Following an accident that occurred during a scuba diving trip, five Italian nationals have died in Vaavu Atoll, in the Maldives," Rome's foreign ministry said in a statement .
"The divers are believed to have died while attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 meters."