British diver is found dead in the sea near uninhabited Spanish islands off the coast of Mallorca
A British man has been found dead after he went diving off the coast of Mallorca.
He was pulled lifeless from the sea by the Malgrats Islands, two uninhabited islets opposite Santa Ponsa Bay, a short drive from the holiday resort of Magaluf.
A Civil Protection boat made the grim discovery and found his body before taking it to the Santa Ponsa Yacht Club.
It is believed he was wearing only a mask and swimming trunks when he was found.
Malgrats Islands as seen from Santa Ponsa Bay. A British diver has been found dead after going diving off the coast of Mallorca. His body was found near the uninhabited islands (stock image)
The alarm was raised around 4pm on Tuesday and the local vigilante immediately launched an investigation to try to find out who the dead man was.
Well-placed sources confirmed this afternoon that he was British.
This afternoon it was not immediately clear whether he was on holiday in Mallorca or lived on the island.
Reports at the time of the discovery earlier this week, before his nationality became known, had described him as between 60 and 70 years old.
A police source said this afternoon: “The death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.”
Officials have not yet said whether they have determined the cause of death as drowning or believe he may have had a previous health problem before he got into trouble.
The Guardia Civil reported to a court in Palma ahead of an autopsy.
It is not yet clear how the dead man was identified.
The Malgrats Islands Nature Reserve is considered an excellent area for snorkeling.
Island companies offer tours of the fascinating cave system and crystal clear waters, including a hotel pick-up and drop-off and a mask, snorkeling fins and wetsuit if required, as well as a boat trip to the snorkeling area.
The islands were declared a marine reserve in 2004 in recognition of the region’s high ecological and fisheries value and the diversity of animal habitats and communities.
The controversial sinking of a decommissioned Spanish frigate in 2007, promoted by city hall officials to create an artificial diving reef but opposed by groups such as Greenpeace, has reportedly led to it becoming even more popular among divers.