Five Italians lost their lives while exploring an underwater cave in the Maldives, Italy’s Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday.

The tragedy occurred in the Vaavu Atoll, where a group of tourists was scuba diving with specialized equipment while exploring underwater caves at a depth of around 50 meters, according to information released by the ministry in Rome.

Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.

The Italian embassy in Sri Lanka has taken responsibility for informing the victims’ families and providing consular assistance.