Despite worries, diver's wife believes he will return

Samihah Zaman and Sarah Hassan -

Abu Dhabi: Six days have elapsed since UAE freediving champion Adel Abu Haliqa disappeared in Greek waters, but his wife Nada knows in her heart that her husband will return home soon.

"I know everyone is worried about my husband, but my hope has only increased with every passing day. I know that it may take some time to locate him, but he will come home to our family," Nada, 35, told Gulf News.

Abu Haliqa, the 40-year-old Abu Dhabi-based Emirati who disappeared on Tuesday, was mentally and psychologically well when he left for his training in Greece last month, his wife said.

Although there have been no signs of him, professional divers and rescue teams in Santorini were able to locate a balloon and a safety belt that divers use when returning to the surface.

"My husband is especially careful about safety, both in his professional and personal life. This is what gives me hope that my three children will see their father again," Nada added.

Abu Haliqa was in Greece as part of month-long training ahead of the Association Internationale pour le Developpement de l'Apnee (Aida) Individual Depth World Championship 2011 to be held in September.

On Tuesday, he dived to a depth of 70 metres but did not return to the surface.

"My husband dreamed of creating a strong UAE presence at the diving competition, and this is why he left to train in Greece. He was due to return by the end of June," Nada said.

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