A body recovered from the bottom of the sea in Xemxija has been identified as belonging to a 24-year-old Maltese man.

The corpse was found in the area known as il-Veċċa, at around 5.15pm. It was brought to shore with the assistance of the Civil Protection Department.

TVM named the man as Simon Psaila, from Rabat. It said Psaila had been freediving in the area and found himself in difficulty. 

Magistrate Yana Micallef Stafrace was informed about the case and has appointed a number of court experts.

The police are also investigating. 

Last week, 20-year-old Neil Zammit died while freediving at Bahar ic-Caghaq. His body was found after a search that lasted over 24 hours.