The body of an Italian student from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) was found drowned in Pulau Redang Sunday evening.

The body of Borella Lorenzo, 27, was found floating 250 metres from the beach near Chagar Hutang on the island at about 5.15pm.

The student was believed to be snorkelling and taking pictures of marine life alone in the area, but the victim's friends later became suspicious of his disappearance and sought the assistance of villagers.

It was learnt that the student went to the island to conduct research on marine life.

Meanwhile, Kuala Terengganu police chief ACP Idris Abd Rafar, who confirmed the incident, said the victim's body had been sent to the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital in Kuala Terengganu for post-mortem.