KOROR, Palau – The Palau government suspended its search for a missing Japanese diver on Friday, January 26th, after five days of efforts. Akihiro Enia, 49, disappeared during a dive at the German Channel on Monday, January 22nd.
Enia was part of a group of eight divers and two guides on the morning of the incident. After surfacing around noon, fellow divers discovered Enia missing and immediately alerted authorities.
Government patrol boats PSS Kedam and Kabekl participated in the search alongside private operators for five days. However, Chief Flavian Ngiramengior of the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) stated that the search was called off on Friday evening due to established protocols and limited hope for survival after Enia’s extended time in the water.
“Given the number of days missing at sea, there was little likelihood the diver could have survived,” said BPS Director Cary Levitre on the third day of the search.
Despite the official suspension, private individuals and agencies continued their efforts to locate Enia, undeterred by challenging weather conditions.
islandtimes.org
