Several fatalities have been reported in recent years but diving and water sports-related accidents are still relatively rare.

Several fatalities have been reported in recent years but diving and water sports-related accidents are still relatively rare.

Mohamed Mahudhee, a member of the Maldivian National Defense Force, died of underwater decompression sickness.

Mohamed Mahudhee, a member of the Maldivian National Defense Force, died of underwater decompression sickness.

The University of Genoa said the victims included a marine biology professor, her daughter and two young researchers.

The University of Genoa said the victims included a marine biology professor, her daughter and two young researchers.

Staff Sgt Mohamed Mahdhee died while diving in the search-and-rescue operation, the Maldives government tells the BBC.

Staff Sgt Mohamed Mahdhee died while diving in the search-and-rescue operation, the Maldives government tells the BBC.

Staff Sgt Mohamed Mahdhee died while diving in the search-and-rescue operation, the Maldives government tells the BBC.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families,” Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu said as rescuers searched for four missing Italian divers near a deep underwater cave.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families,” Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu said as rescuers searched for four missing Italian divers near a deep underwater cave.