Diver goes missing in Antarctica following ‘routine’ ice dive

People take photos of an iceberg near the coast of Spert Island

People take photos of an iceberg near the coast of Spert Island in Antarctica, Dec. 16, 2025. (Photo by Yang Shu/Xinhua via Getty Images)

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(NewsNation) — Rescue teams are searching for a diver who was reported missing in Antarctica this week.

In a statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday, the French Polar Institute announced one of its divers had gone missing during an ice dive at Adélie Land.

“The safety protocol for diving had been implemented, and search operations were launched immediately,” the statement read.

Adélie Land is a French territory “that borders the Australian Antarctic Territory on both sides,” according to the Australian Broadcasting Company.

In a statement to ABC, the institute said the diver went missing during a “routine” operation “to check a scientific instrument.”

Multiple teams from France and Australia have been involved with search and rescue efforts for the unidentified diver, according to Australian outlet news.com.au.

“The French Polar Institute and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands extend their deepest condolences to the family of the missing diver, his loved ones, and all the teams mobilised on site,” the institute said.

Missing

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