31 year old Mercedes Lozano Agramunt, who is from Valencia, has been reported missing after failing to return from a diving expedition with a group of friends and fellow sub-aqua enthusiasts in Thailand yesterday.

"We haven't found her. There were very strong currents all day which changed directions several times," explained local police chief, Captain Khaset. Mercedes and her companions were diving off Ko Tao (Turtle Island), which is one of the islands in Surat Thani province, roughly 600km south of Bangkok, and a magnet for tens of thousands of tourists each year.

Captain Khaset confirmed that the search operation, which involves several coast guard and navy launches, will continue today, although hopes of finding the missing woman still alive are beginning to fade.