Still no sign of missing diver

There was still no trace yesterday of French diving instructor Alan Bollina, 44, who went missing while conducting a technical cave dive at Xlendi Bay on Thursday afternoon.

A search by the Armed Forces of Malta and a number of divers who know the area well was triggered soon after Mr Bollina, a freelance instructor who lives in Gozo, was reported overdue at about 5.30 p.m.

Mr Bollina is married and has a daughter.

The search, which was called off late on Thursday due to rough sea and low visibility, was resumed early yesterday morning.

Among those taking part in the search yesterday were technical divers from a number of diving centres in Gozo.

The search is being concentrated in and around caves just outside the bay, a popular spot with divers.

Sources said that before embarking on the dive, Mr Bollina told fellow divers that he would be diving in the bay to practise emergency procedures.