No trace of man lost at sea

There was still no trace yesterday of Albert Saliba, three days after he went missing while fishing near Wied iz-Zurrieq, as the search by the Armed Forces and divers engaged by his family continued.

Saliba, 70 of Zurrieq, was washed out to sea while he was fishing from the shore in an area known as iz-Zellieq, close to Wied iz-Zurrieq on Thursday at about 2.30 a.m.

His son Norman, who was with him at the time, reported the incident.

Yesterday an AFM patrol boat and a helicopter joined in the search. A team of divers, engaged by the family also made several dives in the area throughout the day.

Richard Saliba said yesterday that one of the divers had found his uncle's torch, which he secured to himself by means an elastic band around his head.

The torch was spotted some metres off the area where Saliba was washed away by a high wave in 45-metre deep water.

Yesterday's calmer seas made it possible for divers to widen the search area. Saliba's nephew said the family were hoping that the body would surface so that his uncle could be given a proper burial.

Boat owners at Wied iz-Zurrieq also took the initiative to join in the search, which was called off late in the day. It is expected to continue this morning.