SINGAPORE, Sept 9 — Authorities in Palau are carrying out search‑and‑rescue operations for a Singaporean diver who disappeared during an outing in the island nation on Monday.

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement that it is assisting the diver’s family and coordinating with Palau officials involved in the search, according to a Straits Times report.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely,” MFA said.

The missing diver was last seen in waters off Palau, an island nation south‑east of the Philippines known for its clear seas, coral reefs and limestone formations.

Palau comprises about 340 islands, islets and atolls, with most of its roughly 18,000 residents living in Koror, the former capital and main commercial hub.

The archipelago attracts visitors with activities such as diving, snorkelling, hiking and wildlife encounters.

Travel links to Palau have expanded in recent years, with China Airlines increasing its Taipei–Koror flights from twice weekly to four or five times a week since 2024.

United Airlines also launched a non‑stop Tokyo–Koror route in October 2025.

Several Singapore‑based dive operators and travel agencies offer packages to Palau’s waters.

According to figures from Palau’s Ministry of Finance, the country recorded 6,963 visitors in July.