The body of a young spearfisherman from Tenerife who disappeared while diving has been recovered off the coast of El Hierro following an extensive search operation.

The man disappeared on Wednesday while spearfishing with his brother near Punta de La Paloma, in the Arenas Blancas area of La Frontera.

Specialist Guardia Civil divers subsequently located his body inside an underwater cave near El Verodal, at a depth of approximately 40 to 45 metres.

His signalling buoy and other personal belongings had been found near Punta de la Sal, around 300 metres from the coast.

The search lasted for almost two days and involved teams working by land, sea and air, including the Guardia Civil, Maritime Rescue, a helicopter from the Emergency and Rescue Group (GES), and the El Hierro Cabildo's intervention team.

After the body was recovered, a Maritime Rescue boat transported it to the harbour at La Restinga on Friday afternoon.

The Guardia Civil is handling the investigation into the death, while forensic examinations are expected to establish the cause.