Family of missing snorkeler look at the silver lining

The army is debating whether to continue its search for the missing snorkeler today, depending on weather conditions and following an unfruitful search yesterday.

Herbert Mercieca, 34, was reported missing on Sunday night by his family who got worried when he failed to return from his day out snorkelling at Għajn Tuffieħa bay.

An army spokesman said the search, which entered its fourth day, yesterday involved two army divers and a military helicopter that combed the bay.

Over the past days, the search was frequently disrupted by the bad weather but they persisted in the hope of finding Mr Mercieca, a keen snorkeler who loved nothing more than being out at sea with his harpoon catching fish.

Mr Mercieca, who is unmarried and lives with his parents, had left home early on Sunday equipped with his harpoon despite the strong wind and high seas, confident that it was usually calm at Għajn Tuffieħa.

When his father saw the wind pick up in the afternoon, he tried to reach him and then drove with his elder son Jesmond to the bay, before raising the alarm. All they found was his parked car, a discarded diving float and his harpoon.

When contacted yesterday, Mr Mercieca's brother said the family was grateful for all the help and support they received from the army, the police and the public.

"I was very close to my only brother and saw him every day," he said.

"Herbert was a very quiet and sheepish person. He never fought or had any arguments with anyone. I loved him and he loved us a lot.

"I believe in God and, behind this story that looks so black to us now, there is a story of love. Our minds won't rest until we find the presumed dead body and bury it in a proper decent, honourable Christian way."