Expert divers have been sent to the Maldives to retrieve four bodies in a deep-sea cave network, in a search mission that's already killed one military rescue diver.

The divers went missing Thursday while exploring a cave in Vaavu Atoll, nearly 200 feet below the surface, according to the Maldives National Defense Force.

The divers became trapped in a sea cave at a depth of about 50 metres. A high-risk search for the bodies was suspended because of rough seas.

Cave diving is a highly technical and dangerous activity that requires specialized training, equipment and strict safety protocols.

A second attempt at searching four Italian divers from deep inside an underwater cave in the Maldives has started after rough weather had repeatedly hampered the effort previously.

Body of fifth diver recovered on Thursday, search of third cave chamber expected on Saturday

Authorities previously suspended recovery operation for bodies of four divers believed to have died while exploring Vaavu Atoll cave

The group of five Italian divers is believed to have died while exploring a cave at a depth of about 50 meters (160 feet) in Vaavu Atoll on Thursday.

Mohamed Mahudhee, a member of the Maldivian National Defense Force, died of underwater decompression sickness after being transferred to a hospital in the capital.

A Maldivian military diver died while searching for four Italian divers missing in an underwater cave in Vaavu Atoll.

International cave divers have arrived in the Maldives to step up the search for the remains of four Italians who died while scuba diving in the island paradise, a day after a…

Three Finnish divers have arrived in the Maldives to help search for the bodies of four Italian divers believed to be in an underwater cave.

The search for the remains of the four Italian divers was suspended Saturday, after a Maldivian military diver died.

It's believed to be the deadliest diving disaster to have taken place in the Indian Ocean tourist destination.

Expert divers have been sent to the Maldives to retrieve four bodies in a deep-sea cave network, in a search mission that's already killed one military rescue diver.

COLOMBO: Three Finnish cave divers are joining efforts in the Maldives on Monday to try to find and recover the bodies of four Italian scuba divers who died in an accident in…

The attempt to retrieve the five bodies has already claimed another life, underscoring the peril and complexity of the recovery effort.

Local authorities are getting ready to restart recovery operations with a fresh plan to overcome difficult conditions.

Italy’s Foreign Ministry says rescuers have located the bodies of four Italian divers believed to be deep inside an underwater cave in a Maldive atoll.

Rescuers have located the bodies of four divers believed to be deep inside an underwater cave in a Maldive atoll. The body of a fifth diver was recovered last week.

Five Italian divers are believed to have died while exploring a cave at a depth of about 50 metres in Vaavu Atoll on Thursday, according to Italy’s Foreign Ministry. #EuropeNews