Un corps retrouvé sur la côte libyenne: l'hypothèse est que c'est celui du kitesurfeur Piepoli disparu en Salento

The disappearance of Mimmo Piepoli, a 39-year-old Italian surfer from Erchie in Brindisi, has taken a new and somber turn following the discovery of a body off the coast of Libya. The body was found near the Libyan shore of Daryana, east of Bengasi, and is currently under investigation to determine whether it belongs to Piepoli, who vanished on May 1st while practicing kitesurfing in the waters of Porto Cesareo, a coastal town in the province of Lecce. This potential identification comes after months of uncertainty and search efforts, both locally and internationally.

According to reports, the body was discovered by a fisherman and recovered wearing a wetsuit and attached to a kiteboarding board. These items have been described as matching the equipment typically used by Piepoli during his kitesurfing activities. However, the body is said to be in an advanced state of decomposition, making visual identification impossible without further forensic analysis. The remains were transported to a hospital for medical and legal examinations, which will include a DNA test to confirm identity. Only once this process is complete can the family and authorities definitively know if the body is indeed that of Mimmo Piepoli.

Italian diplomatic channels have been actively engaged in the matter. The Consulate General of Italy in Benghazi is working in coordination with Libyan authorities, who confirmed the discovery of the body along with kitesurfing gear compatible with Piepoli's usual equipment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the direction of Minister Antonio Tajani, has maintained constant communication with Piepoli’s family and the mayor of Erchie, Giuseppe Margheriti. The Italian government is also monitoring the necessary procedures for the identification of the body and possible repatriation of the remains should the tests confirm the identity.

Piepoli disappeared during a routine session of kitesurfing in the area of Porto Cesareo, known for its favorable conditions for water sports. His sudden absence raised immediate concerns among friends, family, and local authorities, prompting extensive searches in the surrounding waters. Despite these efforts, no trace of him had been found until now. The discovery of the body, though grim, offers a potential resolution to the mystery that has gripped the community for over six months.

Local media outlets, including *la Repubblica*, have highlighted the significance of the find, noting that the information about the body came from Libyan websites citing statements made by Hatem Belhaj Ali, head of the maritime rescue unit. According to these reports, the body was found in a severely decomposed condition but still retained the wetsuit and kiteboard, which are believed to match Piepoli’s personal gear. These details have been corroborated by Italian officials, who are proceeding with the formal identification process.

While the discovery brings some closure, it also raises questions about the circumstances surrounding Piepoli’s death. Authorities have not yet released any official statement regarding how he might have ended up in the waters off Libya. It is unclear whether he was caught in a current or faced another mishap during his activity. Until the DNA results come back, speculation remains limited, and the focus remains on confirming the identity of the body before moving forward with any further steps.

As the situation unfolds, the Italian government continues to support the family and coordinate with Libyan authorities. The outcome of the DNA test will determine the next course of action, potentially leading to the repatriation of the remains if the body is confirmed to belong to Mimmo Piepoli. For now, the family waits anxiously for confirmation, hoping for answers that could bring them some measure of peace.