COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Divers in the Maldives searched on May 16 for four Italian divers who are believed to have died inside an underwater cave. Bad weather had made the search difficult the day before.

Government spokesman Mohammed Hussain Shareef said search teams made a plan after exploring part of the cave.

Italy's Foreign Ministry said the group likely died while exploring a cave about 50 meters deep in Vaavu Atoll on May 14. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said every effort would be made to bring the bodies back home. The ministry is working with a diving safety group to help recover the bodies and return them to Italy.

The cause of the deaths is still being investigated.

The victims were named as Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, marine biologist Federico Gualtieri, researcher Muriel Oddenino, and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti. Benedetti's body was found on May 14.

Cave diving is very dangerous and needs special training and equipment. It is easy to get lost, especially when visibility is poor. Diving at 50 meters is deeper than the usual safe limit for recreational divers; in the Maldives, the standard limit is 30 meters.

Shareef said Benedetti's body was found near the cave entrance, and officials believe the other four went deeper inside.

Two Italian experts, one in deep-sea rescue and one in cave diving, are expected to join the search.

About 20 other Italians on the same trip aboard the "Duke of York" are safe. Italy's embassy is helping them and has contacted the Red Crescent to provide psychological support if needed.

The Maldives tourism ministry has suspended the boat's license while the investigation continues.

Officials said the cave has three large sections connected by narrow passages. Search teams checked two sections on May 15 but had to limit their work due to oxygen and safety concerns. They plan to explore the third section next. 

Italian officials are also in contact with the victims' families to support them.