A woman in V. Fulidhoo has passed away while being treated for breathing difficulties she complained of after participating in an exercise program held in the island's lagoon. 

Police said that the woman had participated in a beach and sea exercise program organized by the Fulidhoo Police Station and Vaavu Atoll Madhrasa for students and parents. During a scheduled water break, the woman complained of breathing difficulties, and was taken to the island's health centre. 

While under treatment at the health centre, the woman passed away at 6:15pm yesterday. 

Police said that the woman was a 39 year old, who worked as a janitor at the school. 

Fulidhoo Council President Mohamed Eaman Ahmed clarified that the woman had not died through drowning. He said that the participants had been in a very shallow area of the sea, with the water reaching no higher than their waists. 

Eaman said that police had informed the council that the woman had been taken to the health centre after she had left the water, at around 4:40pm yesterday. 

"It does not appear if any incident relating to the sea exercise program was the cause of her death. Doctors have also confirmed that she had not ingested any sea water," Eaman said. 

He further cited doctors as saying she had passed away following a panic attack after the responding medical team had declared her condition stable. 

Police said that the deceased was brought to IGMH yesterday, where a medical examination was conducted on the body. Following this, the body was released to family late last night. 

Police said that they will be looking into the incident.