UKRAINIAN SPEAR FISHER DROWNS IN ADRIATIC NEAR ZADAR

( Editorial: --> 0413 ) ZADAR, Sept 14 (Hina) - The body of Ukrainian spear fishing representative Andry Yarmak was found at about 4pm on Monday in the Adriatic Sea near the island of Silba, in the Zadar region. The announcement was made on Monday night by Zadar Police Department police chief Ivan Gambiraza and members of the organising committee for the World Spear Fishing Championships, which starts on September 17 in the Zadar aquarium. Gambiraza said police were gathering eyewitness reports, after which Yarmak's body would be taken to the Zadar hospital pathological department where the causes of his death would be investigated. It is only known that the Ukrainian was found in seas of about 3m deep. Yarmak was reported as missing on Monday morning by members of the Ukrainian team taking part in the championships. He had left the northern side of Silba on Sunday at about 2pm to search the seas. As he had not turned up by Monday morning, police were informed and members of maritime police and the harbourmaster's office began a search. Championship organisers expressed their regret over the tragic incident. They said it appeared Yarmak had not respected championship rules, under which spear fishers must be accompanied in pairs or with a boat during sea searches. (Hina) mbr 150019 MET sep 98