Five Italian nationals have died following a scuba diving accident in the Maldives, Italy's foreign ministry said on Thursday.
The incident occurred in the Vaavu Atoll, where the group had been attempting to explore a series of underwater caves at a depth of around 50 metres (165 ft), the statement added.
It did not give any details about the identities of the victims or the exact cause of the accident.
The foreign ministry said an investigation was underway, adding that the Italian Embassy in Sri Lanka was working to contact the victims' families and provide consular assistance.
Saudi Arabia says shrapnel from intercepted ballistic missile in Asir injures one
Nine injured in Australia as car crashes into crowd north of Sydney
India's 'cockroach' youth party to protest, demand poll chief's resignation
Congo's Ebola outbreak has killed more than 4,000, government data shows
About 400 French schools closed as some student protests turn violent
