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

An Italian expert has joined police divers and rescue vessels in the Maldives for searches after the death of five Italian divers in a scuba accident.

Italy’s Foreign Ministry said the five divers “apparently died while attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 meters (164 feet)” in the Vaavu Atoll on Thursday.