In a statement, the AMN explained that the recreational fisherman had disappeared at sea while catching limpets, near a rocky area off Porto Judeu, in Angra do Heroísmo, on Terceira island.

The alert to the Maritime Police of Angra do Heroísmo happened at the end of the morning and was given by another fisherman accompanying the victim.

The AMN also explains that "the boats of the Maritime Police and the Lifeguard Station of Praia da Vitória were immediately activated, which carried out searches at the place of disappearance.

"The man's body was detected by the Maritime Police from the surface of the water, submerged, about five metres deep," the statement said.

Support was requested from the Regional Civil Protection Service and the Azores Fire Brigade, which, in conjunction with the Praia da Vitória Fire Brigade's diving team and the Maritime Police, recovered the body, the statement added.

The Maritime Police vessel transported the body to the Angra do Heroísmo marina, where the health delegate confirmed the death.