Corpse of missing diver removed from wreck
The body of missing diver Paul Swain, 49, was recovered from the wreck of the MV Xlendi this morning in a difficult operation by the Spider volunteer section of the Civil Protection Department.
Mr Swain died in the wreck two weeks ago and his body was found partially buried in the silt on Saturday. Recovery was difficult because of the depth of the wreck, the darkness and the fact that the wreck was upside down, with access being hazardous.
The members of the Spider team, who are specialists in technical diving, worked together with the regular officers of the Civil Protection Department to carry the body to the surface. It is being taken to Mgarr on the rescue vessel Garibaldi.(picture)
Mr Swain's father was reported by The Times today saying he was relieved that his son could finally be given a proper burial.
"Everyone is feeling quite stressed, but I feel a bit better - knowing that we will be able to give him a proper burial... It is difficult, but at least we can bring him home now," 82-year-old Tom Swain said, adding that the whole family was trying to come to terms with Paul's loss.
The body was found in the cafeteria of the scuttled former Gozo Channel ferry.
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Anthony A. Mifsud
Nov 19th 2008, 10:36
Condolences to Mr. Swain's family and well done to the rescuers, and this should taken as a lesson.
This hazardous area should be corded and marked as Dangerous to divers.
Tony
Matthew Montebello
Nov 18th 2008, 09:36
Heartfelt condolences
Marcelle da Silva
Nov 17th 2008, 20:10
Words cannot express our thanks to the entire rescue team involved in the search to find the body of our cousin Paul Swain. Our family can now have closure & peace of mind in knowing that Paul's body can be brought home to rest in peace in his home town.
Jiohn Azzopardi
Nov 17th 2008, 18:37
Well done to the rescue team for the resilience and determination. It is a good feeling to know that there are such dedicated people who hardly ever get the recognition they deserve.
R. Azzopardi
Nov 17th 2008, 13:02
Condolences to Mr. Swain's family and well done to the rescuers.