The Police have said that a 53-year old man died this afternoon and a 17-year old female is missing, after finding themselves in difficulty while swimming in rough seas at Xwejni, on the outskirts of Marsalforn.

Members of the public raised the alarm at around 4.45pm and Police went to the scene, assisted by an Armed Forces of Malta helicopter. The adverse weather conditions made the rescue operation difficult.

An AFM Alouette III helicopter was scrambled to the area. Once onsite, the helicopter spotted two bodies floating in the rough sea. AFM rescuers immediately commenced the operation to recover the persons, and a foreign male was winched up aboard. It was immediately confirmed that the person was deceased.

Once the recovery of this person was completed, all attempts were made to to recover the second person that appeared to be lifeless, but due to the adverse weather conditions, and high seas the AFM crew lost sight of the swimmer.

A thorough search by helicopter continued for the second person until it was called off at last light. The search will resume tomorrow morning, with the deployment of an AFM helicopter, Patrol Craft and AFM divers.

Duty Magistrate was informed about this case and appointed various experts to assist her in the inquiry.

Police investigations on this case are still on-going.

Permalink: One swimmer dead & one missing in rough seas at Xwejni