Model Olivia Ku (顧思妤) has drowned while taking part in an underwater photoshoot.

Firefighters and members of the Coast Patrol Corp 6-3 said that Ku was pulled from the water unconscious but was pronounced dead in hospital after she could not be resuscitated.

The shoot was taking place in the sea near Houpihu (後壁湖) off Pintung County’s Hengchun Township (恆春) in Taiwan.

Ku, 25, was a trained amatuer diver with three years experience. News.com.au reports she suffered an asthma attack while underwater.

Seasoned divers are stunned by the death, especially because underwater photography is almost always conducted in shallow water for light and should involve a highly skilled support crew who are trained to help in the case of a disaster.

Details of the incident are still emerging, but the Taipei Times reports that Ku was asked to remove her breathing apparatus during the shoot. This is not unusual, however, as shooting underwater generally requires the absence of scuba gear, at least for a short time.

Eelin Entertainment, Ku’s modeling agency, said they are mourning her death and will be helping the family with funeral arrangements. Ku is survived by her husband and four year old daughter.