FROM the surface, the Vaavu Atoll is the ultimate paradise with its white sand beaches, crystal-clear warm waters and abundant marine life. But 20 storeys below the sea’s surface around this Maldives tourist spot is a maze-like cave system which was the scene of an unimaginable tragedy.

FROM the surface, the Vaavu Atoll is the ultimate paradise with its white sand beaches, crystal-clear warm waters and abundant marine life.

But 20 storeys below the sea’s surface around this Maldives tourist spot is a maze-like cave system which was the scene of an unimaginable tragedy.

A scuba diver in black suit and fins navigates an underwater cave with rock formations.
A rescue crew member entering the caves where dead divers were foundCredit: Instagram / DanEurope
Monica Montefalcone, one of the five Italian scuba divers who died near Alimathaa in the Maldives archipelago while exploring an underwater cave.
Expert marine biologist Monica Montefalcone, who had 5,000 dives under her beltCredit: AP
Ten days ago, five experienced scuba divers lost their lives in the Thinwana Kandu cave, also known as Shark Cave.

Now the first images have emerged of the narrow underwater passage where most of them perished.

The photos were taken by the Finnish team that recovered the bodies this week.

Ever since the five Italian tourists went missing, experts have been trying to figure out what went wrong during their expedition.

Local instructor Gianluca Benedetti and marine biologist Monica Montefalcone, 51, who had 5,000 dives under her belt, knew the area well.

Tragically, Monica’s 20-year-old daughter Giorgia Sommacal, also an experienced diver, died with them.

Regulations state that no recreational trips here should be made deeper than 98ft, yet the bodies were found twice that distance down.

Italian investigators are looking into possible manslaughter charges, and it is hoped that bodycam footage will provide some answers.