An Armed Forces of Malta soldier who tragically died while out diving last summer might have been hit by a boat, police believe.

In a statement, the police said referred to an incident on 12 August, when the body of 35-year-old Christian Degabriele – who was reported missing after he failed to return home after going out diving – was lifted out of the sea in St. Paul’s Bay.

The Police Force issued an appeal for information, saying that investigations showed that there was the possibility that Degabriele died after he was hit by a boat.

Anybody with information about the case is asked to contact the Police, even anonymously, on 119 or 21224001 or by going to their closest police station.

Degabriele had been reported missing on 11 August, and a search was mounted throughout the night, which culminated in his body being found at 9am the following morning.

Even back then it was believed that Degabriele had been hit by a boat in the area, with the rope belonging to his diver’s buoy being found torn.

Degabriele was a sergeant within the AFM’s Maritime Squad, and was also an amateur football player.

Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech was tasked with leading the inquiry into the case.