THE family of a diver who drowned while exploring a shipwreck overseas is preparing to fly out to identify his body.

One of Paul Swain's brothers is likely to travel to Malta this week in order to meet the authorities and bring the 49-year-old's body home.

Mr Swain, an engineer and part-time diving instructor, went missing two weeks ago while exploring a sunken former ferry named the Xendi, just off the island of Gozo.

He had travelled to Malta with eight members of the Sub Aqua Sports Association, based in South Hetton, in County Durham, but the holiday soon turned to tragedy.

He was last seen exploring the cafeteria of the ship, but is believed to have become disorientated when silt was disturbed in the wreck, making it impossible for him to find his way out.

After two separate searches of the vessel by the Civil Protection Department (CPD), his body was finally located on Saturday.

The body of Mr Swain, who lived in the Low Grange area of Billingham, with his long-term finacee Louise Walsh, was then recovered and taken ashore on Monday, much to the relief of his family.

Today, father-of-seven Tom Swain, from Geatham village, near Hartlepool, said the family was devastated at the loss of his son.

"We are trying to sort out who is going to go to Malta at the moment. In the next week or so someone will be flying out. I think it will be one of the boys, one of Paul's brothers.

"It's very difficult, but at least we know we are going to have him back home now. It's bad when we haven't got anyone to grieve over or have a funeral for," he said.

He said the family hoped they would find out exactly what happened to his son, who had been an experienced diver for years.