The search for the two French tourists, who are still missing nine days after being lost at sea, will continue weather permitting, according to an Armed Forces of Malta spokesman.

Searches had to be halted due to the strong winds yesterday. However, the army intends to continue searching as soon as the weather allows.

The two missing French tourists are 14-year-old Dani Chmouni and his father’s friend, Philippe Grimaud, 41.

They formed part of a group of five French tourists reported missing by a yacht skipper on May 6.

The bodies of the other three were found last week and are expected to berepatriated this week.

Marie Grimaud, 38, Sandrine Godet, 36, and her husband Elias Chmouni, died after a celebratory dinner at a restaurant in Xlendi Bay organised to mark the 49th birthday of Mr Chmouni – Dani’s father.

The group was returning to their cabin cruiser the El Pirata, berthed off Dwejra, after the dinner at midnight – they were never seen again.

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