Armed Forces of Malta soldier who died while diving might have been hit by a boat, police say

An Armed Forces of Malta soldier, who had tragically died while out diving last summer might have been hit by a boat, the police believe.

In a statement, the police referred to an incident on 12 August, when the body of 35-year-old Christian Degabriele – who was reported missing after he had failed to return home after going out diving – was lifted out of the sea in St. Paul’s Bay.

The Police Force issued an appeal for information, saying that investigations showed that there was the possibility that Degabriele had died after he was hit by a boat.

Anybody with information about the case is asked to contact the Police, even anonymously, on 119 or 21224001, or else by going to their closest police station.

Degabriele had been reported missing on 11 August, and a search was mounted throughout the night, which culminated in his body being found at 9 a.m. the following morning. The search for the man was conducted by the Armed Forces of Malta, the Civil Protection Department, and the police. A team of divers and a dinghy, as well as a helicopter, were used.

Even back then it was believed that Degabriele had been hit by a boat in the area, with the rope belonging to his diver’s buoy being found torn.

Degabriele was a sergeant within the AFM’s Maritime Squad, and was also an amateur football player.

Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech was tasked with leading the inquiry into the case.