Updated 10.35am

A 35-year-old diver reported missing on Thursday afternoon was found dead at sea on Friday morning, the police said.

Armed Forces of Malta rescue personnel found Christian Degabriele's body at around 8.45am just off St Paul's Islands. The body was brought to shore at Hay Wharf.

Unconfirmed reports have alleged that Degabriele was struck by a boat at sea. A police spokesperson declined to speculate and said that an autopsy would shed more light on what caused his death.   

Degabriele, an avid free diver and father to a young girl, worked with the AFM. He lived in Għaxaq and had been reported missing at 5.30pm on Thursday after he failed to return from a dive at St Paul's Bay. 

AFM personnel immediately began a search to locate him, but were unable to do so. The search, which involved a dinghy, helicopter and scuba divers, resumed early on Friday morning.

Paola Kordin Football Club was among those to pay tribute to Degabriele, who played for them. 

 

So too did the AFM. "The Armed Forces of Malta grieves the loss of 87112 Sgt Degabriele C. The Force extends their sincere condolences to his family.May he rest in peace," the army wrote on Facebook. 

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