Updated

A state-backed Emirati newspaper and supporters of an experienced Algerian diver who went missing off the coast of Dubai more than a week ago say his body has been recovered.

Adel Ait-Ghezala, a doctoral student at the American University in Washington, disappeared 32 kilometers (20 miles) off Dubai on New Year's Day after he went free diving and spearfishing with friends in the Persian Gulf. Friends helped raise tens of thousands of dollars to assist rescue teams in their search.

The National newspaper quoted the director of the Dubai police search and rescue department, Col. Juma al-Falasi, saying that Ait-Ghezala's body was found Saturday, 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) from where he disappeared.

A Facebook group set up by friends to promote the rescue effort confirmed the death in a post.