A British man has been found dead after diving off the coast of Mallorca.
He was pulled lifeless from the sea by the Malgrats Islands, two uninhabited islets off the bay of Santa Ponsa, a short distance from the tourist town of Magaluf.
A Civil Protection vessel made the macabre discovery and recovered his body before transferring it to the Santa Ponsa Nautical Club.
It is understood he was wearing only a mask and swimming shorts when he was found.
Malgrats Islands seen from the Bay of Santa Ponsa. A British diver has been found dead after diving off the coast of Mallorca. His body was found near the uninhabited islands (archive image)
A police officer from the Spanish Civil Guard (file image). Authorities have not yet said whether they have established that drowning was the cause of death or whether they believe he suffered a prior health problem before getting into trouble. The Civil Guard appears at a court in Palma for the autopsy
The alarm was raised around four in the afternoon on Tuesday and the local Civil Guard immediately began an investigation to try to discover who the deceased was.
Well-placed sources confirmed this afternoon that he was British.
It was not immediately clear this afternoon whether he was on holiday in Mallorca or living on the island.
Reports at the time of discovery earlier this week, before his nationality emerged, described him as being between 60 and 70 years old.
A police source said this afternoon: “The death is not being considered suspicious at this time.”
Authorities have not yet said whether they have established that drowning was the cause of death or whether they believe he suffered a prior health problem before getting into trouble.
The Civil Guard has appeared before a court in Palma before carrying out the autopsy.
It is still unclear how the deceased was identified.
The alarm was raised around four in the afternoon on Tuesday and the local Civil Guard immediately began an investigation to try to discover who the deceased was. Well-placed sources confirmed this afternoon that he was British.
The Malgrats Islands Natural Reserve is considered an excellent area for snorkeling.
Companies on the island offer tours of its fascinating cave system and crystal-clear waters that include hotel pickup and drop-off and provision of mask, snorkel fins and wetsuit if required, as well as a boat ride to the snorkeling area.
The islands were declared a marine reserve in 2004 in recognition of the high ecological and fishing value of the region, as well as the diversity of habitats and animal communities.
The controversial 2007 sinking of a decommissioned Spanish frigate, promoted by city officials to create an artificial reef for diving but opposed by groups such as Greenpeace, has made it even more popular with divers.