Diving instructor missing

A search operation by the Armed Forces of Malta and a group of divers for a French diving instructor who was reported missing in Xlendi, Gozo, yesterday evening had to be called off due to low light and rough sea conditions.

At about 5.30 p.m. yesterday the AFM received a report that a French diving instructor, 44, who was conducting a technical cave dive at Xlendi Bay was overdue.

Patrol boats Rescue 11 and Melita1 with divers on board and a helicopter were immediately dispatched to the area but the search operation proved futile.

A spokesman for the AFM said that, weather permitting, the search will be resumed at first light today.