Search for missing snorkeler called off

The search for a snorkeler who went missing over a week ago has been called off.

Herbert Mercieca, 34, was reported missing over eight days ago by his family when he did not return from his day out snorkelling at Għajn Tuffieħa Bay.

Unfortunately, last week's search was frequently disrupted by the bad weather, but the army had persisted in the hope of finding Mr Mercieca, a keen snorkeler who loved nothing more than being out at sea with his harpoon and catching fish.

Mr Mercieca, unmarried and living with his parents, had left home early two Sundays ago equipped with his harpoon despite the strong winds and rough seas, confident it was calm at Għajn Tuffieħa Bay.

When his father saw the wind pick up in the afternoon he tried to reach him on his mobile phone but when he received no reply, he drove to the bay with his elder son Jesmond before raising the alarm.

A spokesman for the army yesterday said the aerial search was called off on Thursday and divers last searched the seabed on Friday. However, army and civil protection divers, together with between 60 and 70 volunteers, had continued the search in their personal time. They were led by Major Jeffrey Curmi from the Explosives Ordnance Division.

On Saturday, a group of people in Paradise Day reported they had seen an object, possibly a body, some metres off the coast. However, when army divers had a closer look they found it was flotsam.

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

Captain Reuben Lanfranco, an expert in maritime incident investigations, said it is difficult to say what might have happened to Mr Mercieca.

"Unless a body is found and an autopsy is performed, it is only speculation at this point in time."

The probability of finding him alive after this recent spell of bad weather is not good. People in water have been known to stay alive for a few days, but there have been exceptions, depending on circumstances.

"However, it's always recommended to dive in pairs or with a group. Snorkelers sometimes see a big fish and chase it without thinking about their personal safety. If someone is keeping an eye on them and something goes wrong, their "buddy" can assist the person himself or call for help."

"Għajn Tuffieħa Bay is known for its underwater currents, and swimmers have often found themselves in difficulty in this bay."