Italian authorities are investigating a body that washed up on a beach in Libya, believed to be that of Mimmo Piepoli, a kitesurfer who went missing while surfing in Italy. Piepoli, 39, disappeared on May 1 while kitesurfing off Porto Cesareo. The body found in Benghazi was dressed in a wetsuit with a tablet attached, resembling the missing surfer.
The Italian Consulate General in Benghazi is collaborating with Libyan authorities to identify the remains. They stated that the body, found with a wetsuit and kitesurf board, likely belonged to Mimmo Piepoli. The consulate is in contact with Piepoli’s family, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Erechie’s mayor.
However, the identity of the remains has not been confirmed, and DNA testing is required for verification. The Italian Foreign Ministry mentioned that only after DNA testing by Libyan authorities can the identity be established. The consulate has requested Libyan authorities to conduct the necessary procedures for examination and is monitoring the case for possible repatriation.
Piepoli’s partner expressed despair on social media about not hearing from him for two months before the discovery of the body. If confirmed to be Piepoli, the remains would have traveled a considerable distance from Italy to Libya.