The initial findings from the autopsy performed on the remains of the Italian professor and her daughter, who sadly died during a diving trip at Alimatha Cave in Vaavu Atoll.

At approximately 01:45 pm on June 14th, five Italian tourists were declared missing following their scuba diving excursion to Dhekunu Kandu, a 200-meter-long underwater cave network situated close to V. Alimatha.

The event also resulted in the death of Maldivian Coast Guard’s Sergeant First Class Mohamed Mahudhy, who passed away while diving to retrieve the bodies of the lost tourists.

The individuals who lost their lives were recognized as Monica Montefalcone, a marine biology professor affiliated with the University of Genoa; her daughter, Giorgia Sommacal; marine biologist Federico Gualtieri; researcher Muriel Oddenino; and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti.

Reports from various Italian media suggest that initial autopsy findings show both fatalities resulted from drowning or severe oxygen deprivation.

The remains of 51-year-old Monica Montefalcone, a Marine Biology professor from the University of Genoa, along with her 23-year-old daughter, Giorgia Somacal, will be transferred to their hometown, Genoa, on Thursday.

Reports additionally indicate that officials have authorized the initiation of funeral preparations after the autopsy examinations performed at Gallarate Hospital.

The Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a criminal probe into the event based on claims of “manslaughter due to negligence.”

Italian officials have seized the victims' smartphones and electronic gadgets for forensic analysis. The devices were said to have been returned to Italy by Professor Stefano Venin, who had traveled with the group.

A detailed report determining the exact cause of death is anticipated to require several weeks.