Four students from Maharashtra, who were studying at a university in Russia drowned in the Volkhov river, while the fifth student narrowly escaped and has been rescued, the external affairs ministry said on Friday.

“We offer our condolences to the families. The search for the remaining two missing students continues,” the ministry said in a statement.

All five students belong to the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra and were pursuing medical studies at the Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University located in St. Petersberg, Veliky Novgorod, Russia.

The Indian embassy in Russia has assured that the authorities are working to send the bodies to the relatives as soon as possible.

Jalgaon District Collector Ayush Prasad said on Thursday that the district administration contacted the embassy in Russia and the Consulate General in St. Petersburg, with the help of MEA.

“They have been very supportive to the family and we’ve been coordinating with the judicial as well as the police and disaster management authorities,” Prasad said.

“Best medical care is being provided to the student whose life was saved. We are hoping that the bodies will be sent back to India as per international protocol.”

“Working together with the local authorities of Veliky Novgorod to send the mortal remains to the relatives as soon as possible. The bereaved families have been contacted and assured of all possible help,” the Indian Consulate in St Petersburg said.

“Proper medical care, including psychological treatment, is being provided to the girl student who was saved. These students were pursuing medical education at Veliky Novgorod State University. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families.”