An elite team of cave divers from across Europe has been deployed to the Maldives in a desperate effort to recover the bodies of four missing Italian tourists trapped deep inside a dangerous underwater cave system — before sharks and brutal ocean conditions make the mission even more horrifying.

The tragedy unfolded on May 14 near Vaavu Atoll, where a group of experienced Italian divers entered a maze of submerged caves nearly 160 feet below the surface. Hours later, they failed to return, triggering a massive international rescue operation.

So far, only the body of 44-year-old dive instructor Gianluca Benedetti has been recovered. The remaining victims — marine biologist Monica Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, researcher Muriel Oddenino, and Federico Gualtieri — are believed to still be trapped deep inside the cave network.

Rescue officials say the operation is extremely dangerous due to narrow passages, powerful currents, and poor visibility. To assist in the search, Divers Alert Network Europe brought in highly specialized Finnish cave divers who previously took part in some of the world’s most difficult underwater rescue missions.

According to experts involved in the recovery effort, time is quickly running out. Warm tropical waters could accelerate decomposition, while sharks and other predators may begin entering the cave system. One rescue official reportedly warned that they “cannot leave the bodies there for the sharks.”

The disaster has already claimed another life during the recovery mission. Maldives National Defence Force sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee died after taking part in deep search operations, with local reports suggesting he may have suffered complications linked to decompression sickness.

Authorities are now investigating what went wrong during the dive. One theory being examined is whether the group exceeded the Maldives’ recommended depth limits for recreational diving, potentially leading to oxygen toxicity, disorientation, or panic underwater.

Meanwhile, the liveaboard vessel that transported the group to the dive site has reportedly had its operating license suspended as both Maldivian and Italian officials continue investigating the deadly incident.