Updated 1.50pm
A 70-year-old woman died on Tuesday after experiencing difficulties while swimming at St Thomas Bay.
The woman, who is from Żabbar, was taken to land by some swimmers and was given assistance by a Mater Dei medical team and members of the Malta Red Cross. A doctor pronounced her dead.
An Armed Forces of Malta helicopter assisted in the operation.
The police had initially received a report, at 10.25am, that two swimmers were in need of assistance but it was later established that the second swimmer was actually trying to help the woman.
The rescue operation also included the involvement of the police and the Civil Protection Department.
An inquiry is being held.