India, May 18 -- Authorities in the Maldives have confirmed that the bodies of four Italian divers who disappeared during a scuba diving expedition last week were discovered inside a deep underwater cave near Vaavu Atoll.

The tragic incident has become one of the deadliest diving accidents recorded in the island nation, which is globally known for its coral reefs and luxury diving tourism.

Officials said rescue teams located the divers during a difficult underwater operation carried out jointly by Finnish and Maldivian specialists.

Bodies Found Inside 60-Metre-Deep Cave

According to Maldivian authorities, the four divers were found inside a cave nearly 60 metres (197 feet) below sea level. Government spokesperson Mohamed Hossain Share...