Inclementweather disrupts air search for missing snorkeler

A helicopter search for the snorkeler who went missing three days ago had to be called off yesterday morning because of the poor visibility in the thick fog that enveloped most of the island.

The helicopter was deployed early in the morning because divers could not work in the rough seas but at about 11 a.m. even the airborne search had to be called off because of the blanket of fog that fell on Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, where the man was last believed to be spear fishing.

The 34-year-old snorkeler, Herbert Mercieca, was reported missing on Sunday by his older brother, Jesmond.

A military boat carrying divers was immediately sent to the bay, despite strong winds and rough seas, but the search was eventually postponed to Monday morning when the weather deteriorated. On Monday, it was postponed again because of the weather.

An army spokesman said a diving float and harpoon belonging to Mr Mercieca, were found but there was no sign of the man. Peter Mercieca said his son had told him the sea wouldn't be as rough at Għajn Tuffieħa Bay because of the direction the wind was blowing and so didn't feel he was risking anything by snorkelling there.

However, as the wind continued to become stronger and the sea rougher, his parents became worried and his father tried calling him on the mobile. They received no reply and so decided to drive to Għajn Tuffieħa Bay. There, they found Mr Mercieca's car but he was nowhere to be seen.

The army spokesman said that at this stage there are no assumptions as to what may have happened to him. "He is missing and we are looking for him".

Mr Mercieca works with the Water Services Corporation. Relatives said he was a quiet, kind-hearted man with a passion for the sea.

The search is expected to continue tomorrow, weather permitting.