Updated Tuesday 9.00am
An intensive search is still underway for a 20-year-old diver who was reported missing off Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq late on Monday, with two patrol boats, an AFM helicopter and army divers - complemented by a number of volunteers.
The alarm was raised at about 8.30pm when the man, Neil Zammit from Paola, failed to surface after going for a late afternoon snorkel. He had earlier got separated from his 38-year-old friend.
The search on Monday evening was focused on an area between Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq and the Splash and Fun complex, where the sea is around 30m deep. The AFM deployed a helicopter and a patrol boat.
Sources said the missing diver was known for his love of diving and spearfishing.
The helicopter scoured the area on Monday night using powerful lights but there was no sign of the missing man.
The search is continuing on Tuesday with the AFM being joined by friends of the diver as anxious family members and other onlookers wait on shore. Policemen have also been deployed for the search on shore.