The body of a diver who went missing on Thursday afternoon was recovered from sea on Friday morning, police told The Malta Independent.
The body of Sgt. Christian Degabriele was found at around 8.45am Friday morning between Buġibba and St Paul's Islands, as the Armed Forces of Malta continued searches for the 35-year-old man from Ghaxaq who went missing after going diving in St. Paul's Bay.
The search for him began at around 5:30pm Thursday and continued early Friday morning.
Reports in other sections of the media have stated that the man may have been hit by a boat, but the police are still investigating the incident and details were not available at the time this newsroom contacted the police.
The body was taken to the maritime base of Xatt it-Tiben.
The search for the man was conducted by the Armed Forces of Malta, the Civil Protection Department, and the police. A team of divers, a dinghy as well as a helicopter were used.
Police investigations are still ongoing and Magistrate Monica Vella launched an inquiry.
In a Facebook post, the Armed Forces of Malta said it grieves the loss of Sgt Degabriele. "The Force extends their sincere condolences to his family. May he rest in peace."