Preliminary autopsy results have confirmed that the Italian divers who tragically lost their lives in an underwater cave near Alimatha, Vaavu Atoll, died due to a lack of oxygen. The findings were released as part of a joint investigation conducted by the Maldivian and Italian governments.

Authorities are currently analyzing video footage recovered from GoPro cameras used by the divers at the time of the incident. The bodies were recovered during a specialized two-day operation by a Finnish diving team, who were deployed to the Maldives at the request of the Italian government to assist in the recovery from the treacherous site.

Expert divers have since cautioned that the cave, situated on the southern side of Vaavu Atoll, is extremely hazardous and should not be attempted by recreational divers. They emphasized that entering such environments requires advanced technical training and specialized equipment that the victims may have lacked.

Italian news outlet ‘TG1’ is expected to broadcast footage of the cave interior tonight at midnight, Maldives time. The recordings were made by the Finnish rescue team with the assistance of the DAN Europe Foundation during the successful recovery mission.