A soldier who was attacked by a shark during a Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) training exercise in the sea near Laamu Maavah has died while undergoing treatment for injuries.

In a message sent to the media on Sunday night, MNDF identified the deceased as Lance Corporal Mohamed Zaidhan, 23. He passed away around 8:40 pm last night while undergoing treatment at the Laamu Gan Regional Hospital, MNDF said in the message.

Zaidhan was a participant in an ongoing MNDF training course in Laamu Kadhdhoo. MNDF did not reveal details of his injuries.

The death of a soldier due to a shark attack comes after a scuba diver was attacked by a shark near Male' a year ago.

He was attacked after trying to untangle ropes knotted on the shark's head.