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Diver found dead amid portion of $20m Newcastle cocaine haul was Brazilian Bruno Borges, 31

Bruno Borges has been confirmed as the diver who was found dead in Newcastle. (Facebook)

The diver found dead in Newcastle harbour has been identified by his friends and embassy officials as Brazilian national Bruno Borges.

The professional diver, 31, is believed to have travelled to Australia after being hired by drug smugglers to retrieve cocaine from a bulk carrier docked at the city's port earlier this month.

His body was surrounded by bricks of cocaine weighing more than 50 kilograms.

Borges, whose social media features photographs of his diving trips, could not be revived.

Police said he was using a rebreather and was wearing specialist diving gear.

Borges's friends have rallied around his family in family in Barra Nova, on the coast of São Mateushas, Brazil.

Paulo Marugi took to social media to call for strength and support to get his friend's body back home.

Bruno Borges's social media features photographs of his diving trips. (Facebook)

"Only those who knew know the heart that Bruneka had," he wrote.

"Guys, the family needs a lot of strength to bring his body to Brazil, no matter how much helps."

There was also support for Borges's mother.

"Dona Celia, I know the pain of a mother, but the important thing is his spirit to arrive in the place of light," one woman wrote.

"I believe that you have already sought Social Assistance of your city hall, because they will meet you."

The Embassy of Brazil in Canberra told the ABC it had been in contact with Mr Borges' family and with the Consulate General in Sydney about the case.

Borges's friends are appealing for help to get his body back to Brazil. (Facebook)

One charged, two on the run

Experienced mariner James Blee, 62, is the only person charged in connection to the haul.

He has been charged with drug importation and his case is before the courts.

Organised crime police are certain he did not act alone and issued a warrant earlier this week for the arrest of a man believed to be a second diver.

Jhoni Fernandes Da Silva is wanted by police. (Facebook)

That man is Brazilian, Jhoni Fernandes Da Silva, 32.

He is described as being of South American appearance, about 180cm tall and of a muscular build with a shaved head and brown eyes.

A woman is also being sought.

The ship at the centre of the drug haul, the Areti GR, is due to leave the Port of Newcastle at midnight on Thursday.

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