(Adds police and army statements)

A body recovered from the sea near the Valletta fishmarket at 6.45 a.m. is believed to be that of the 16-year-old Russian boy reported missing a few days ago.

The police said in a statement that they sought the assistance of the Armed Forces of Malta and the body, which was in an advanced state of decomposition, was recovered and taken to Haywharf at 8.30 a.m.

The army said that although the corpse was close to shore, it could not be retrieved because of a severe local swell and low drought on the seabed. So its divers were asked to assist in the operation.

Personal effects found on the body, including a distinct wrist watch and a key chain, immediately indicated it could be the Russian boy's.

An inquiry is being led by duty magistrate Silvio Meli. An autopsy is being held tomorrow.

Maxim Vorobyev was being fostered by the Pace family of Valletta.

The boy did not return home after being asked to run an errand for his family on February 25. It was not the first time he went out on his own.