The Public Prosecutor's Office in Aruba intends to investigate an underwater photograph which it is claimed may show the skeleton of Natalee Holloway. The photogaph was taken in October last year by an American couple vacationing on the island.

The couple say they sent to the photograph to the FBI some time ago but never got any response. The Aruban authorities say they take every tip seriously and plan to send scuba divers to check the spot where it was taken.

It is generally regarded as unlikely that the photo actually shows human remains, let alone those of the missing US teenager. It's thought more likely it is a coral formation which just happens to resemble a skeleton.

Natalee Holloway has now been missing for almost five years. Dutchman Joran van de Sloot is still the main suspect in the case. He has now related several different versions of what happened to Natalee. His first statement was that he left her behind on the beach. Later he claimed to have dumped her body in the sea.

The latest version appeared in an interview three weeks ago when he claimed she had been drinking and taking cocaine and fell from a balcony. He and a friend allegedly carried her body to a swamp.

The seabed around the island of Aruba was searched at length shortly after her disappearance in 2005. The police investigation still continues.