The operating licence of a safari vessel in Vaavu Atoll following the death of one diver and the disappearance of four others during a diving excursion on Thursday.

In a statement, the ministry said the licence of MV Duke of York had been suspended indefinitely pending further investigation.

According to the ministry’s tourism portal, the 12-room safari vessel is owned by Abdul Muhusin Moosa. It is operated by Island Cruises Pvt Ltd, a company owned by Muhusin and Ibrahim Rasheed.

The incident occurred near V. Alimathaa, where five people; four Italian tourists and the safari’s diving instructor went missing while diving on Thursday afternoon.

The body of one diver was recovered after sunset, while the remaining four had not been found as of Friday.

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) said the body recovered was found inside a cave at a depth of about 60 metres, (197 feet). Authorities believe the remaining four divers may also be inside the cave, which is estimated to extend around 200 feet in length.

The maximum legal depth permitted for diving in Maldives is 30 metres. Authorities are now investigating why the group descended beyond the permitted limit.

The Tourism Ministry said maintaining the Maldives as a safe tourism destination was the responsibility of all operators in the sector and urged compliance with regulations. It added that all necessary measures would be taken to uphold safety standards.