World's greatest free diver Natalia Molchanova, feared dead

Natalia Molchanova, the woman known as the greatest free diver in the world is still missing after a dive in the Baleric Sea off the coast of Spain.

The 53-year-old is feared dead after failing to surface from her dive, a reported 40-metre plunge, where swimmers aim to go as deep as possible in a single breath.

Once her fellow divers realised that Molchanova had not surfaced, they searched the area, before calling for help.

The Coast Guard and helicopters, along with other boats scoured the area on Sunday and again on Monday without and signs.

Her family released a statement saying that Molchanova was doing what she loved.

“She said “birth and death are important, but freediving competitions are just games for adults.”

“Natalia has a passion for freediving that burned so deep inside of her that she dedicated her life to it.”