Updated 13 August 2.40pm with call for drone pilots to help in search

A search for two missing young men continued on Sunday after their belongings were found on the rocks on the outskirts of Rabat early on Saturday. 

Police said fishermen found two bags containing clothes, mobile phones and shoes around 5am in the area known as Blata tal-Melħ.  

The bags are believed to belong to a Maltese national from Birżebbuġa aged 19, and a Serbian national, aged 21. Police told Times of Malta they were last seen riding their bicycles yesterday afternoon. 

The fact their bicycles have not yet been found while their mobile phones were found on the rocks has baffled rescue teams. Whipped up by strong winds, the sea turned rough since yesterday, raising concerns should it be established that the two decided to go for a swim. 

Police and Armed Forces of Malta personnel are carrying out the search.

An AFM spokesman told Times of Malta the search is ongoing. 

Call for drone pilots to help in search

A call for drone pilots to help in the search was made this afternoon.

Anyone wishing to help should call Francesca on 7976 7676 for coordination purposes.

Those taking part have been reminded to charge all their batteries.

They should avoid flying within the airport's restricted areas and the aircraft approach line coming in from over Filfla and over the Freeport areas.

Drone operators were asked to never exceed 50 metres above land when departing and returning.

The AFM asked the operators to search especially the coves and caves which they could not get into with their vessels due to rough seas. However, they should be aware that the army also has other aircraft in the vicinity.

In any operator sees anything unusual, they should immediately call 112.

Pilots were later advised to meet at the Blue Grotto car park tomorrow at 8am as strong winds today were making it difficult for most aircraft to fly.