Five Italian tourists died during a diving incident in the Maldives, Italy's foreign ministry confirmed on Thursday.

The group had departed Thursday morning on a diving expedition to explore the Vaavu atoll, according to Italian media reports. Details about the specific circumstances of the incident have not been released.

According to reports from Italian media, the victims included a university professor and her daughter, though official confirmation of their identities has not been provided by authorities.

The Vaavu atoll is a popular diving destination in the Maldives, known for its marine life and coral formations. The incident represents one of the more serious diving accidents involving foreign tourists in the popular vacation destination.

Italian diplomatic officials are working with Maldivian authorities regarding the incident. Further details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths have not been disclosed.