The bodies of four Italian divers who went missing in the Maldives have been found in an underwater cave. This announcement was made by the Maldives National Defense Force on Monday. The find follows the recovery of one body on Thursday, marking the end of the tragic search for the group of five divers.

Authorities stated that the bodies were discovered within Vaavu Atoll cave as part of a joint search and recovery operation. The mission included a team from Italy. These efforts involved an international coalition of rescuers exploring deep underwater formations for evidence of the missing individuals.

Sadly, a member of the search team, a diver from the Maldives National Defense Forces, died on Saturday due to decompression sickness.

The divers were part of a larger group of Italians visiting the Maldives, renowned for its pristine diving sites in the Indian Ocean. Their expedition focused on exploring deepwater reefs and caves, considered hazardous and requiring special preparation.

The dive site was at a depth of approximately 50 meters, or 164 feet. Unfortunately, the divers did not resurface, prompting a distress call to the Maldives coast guard on Thursday around noon. Later, one body was located at a depth of 196 feet, deeper than anticipated.

The recovery of the four bodies will proceed over the coming days, as stated by the Maldives National Defense Force.

The depth of the cave and the conditions under which the team operated underscore the dangers associated with deep-sea diving. This tragic incident highlights the intense risks involved in such expeditions.