Search on for missing fisherman

Concern was mounting yesterday for a St Paul's Bay fisherman who failed to return home after he went fishing on Monday.

A search and rescue operation launched by the Armed Forces of Malta was still going on last night for 55-year-old Paul Gauci.

Mr Gauci left on his five-metre boat on Monday at 7 a.m. and was due back at 1.30 p.m. He was fishing in the sea north of Gozo.

The AFM Rescue Coordination Centre was alerted by his wife shortly before 6 p.m. that he had not returned. Mr Gauci's boat is equipped with VHF radio but attempts to contact him have proved fruitless.

Some 1,400 square nautical miles would have been covered by yesterday afternoon.

An AFM search and rescue vessel and an Islander aircraft began a search for the blue kajjik both inshore and offshore. The AFM are also using the long range patrol vessel P31.

A maritime patrol aircraft from the Italian Coast Guard, a Piaggio 166, also joined the search from its base in Sicily. After refuelling here, the Piaggio will conduct a further search on its way back to Sicily.

Weather conditions are favourable, with a moderate sea and excellent visibility.

The police last night issued a description of Mr Gauci's boat, saying he was last seen going out to sea from Bugibba. The boat is a blue and green 16-footer with a grey awning, registration number PTF283.

Any information about Mr Gauci may be given to the police on 2122 1111.