Missing divers in Malaysia surfaced before drifting apart, survivor says on third day of search
- Hopes of finding them after diving instructor who was rescued saw they surfaced safely but drifted away from the boat and were separated by the strong current
- Authorities deployed two planes, 18 boats and about 90 personnel, including rescue divers as they expanded the search area
Malaysian authorities resumed search for a third day Friday for three Europeans, including two teenagers, who disappeared while diving off a southern island.
Authorities had expressed hope for finding them after Norwegian diving instructor Kristine Grodem was rescued Thursday. She told authorities the four surfaced safely Wednesday afternoon but they drifted away from the boat and were separated by the strong current.
The group was diving in water about 15 meters (50 feet) deep at an island off the town of Mersing in southern Johor state. Grodem, 35, was rescued by a tugboat about 22 nautical miles (40 kilometres) from the dive site.
The missing divers are Alexia Alexandra Molina, 18, of France; Adrian Peter Chesters, 46, of Britain; and his Dutch son, Nathen Renze Chesters, 14.
Authorities have deployed two planes, 18 boats and about 90 personnel, including rescue divers as they expanded the search area.
Maritime officials said Grodem was providing dive training for the other three, who were seeking to obtain advanced diving licenses.