Man drowns at Comino's Blue Lagoon
Italian man found himself in difficulty while swimming
An Italian man has died after getting into difficulty while swimming in Comino’s Blue Lagoon on Wednesday, the police said.
The incident happened at around 1.30pm. The 35-year-old man was given first aid by members of the Emergency Response and Rescue Corps.
Sources close to the ERRC told Times of Malta the man had been pulled out of the water onto a privately chartered boat. The corps was told he had been "under the water for approximately five minutes" before he was rescued.
The emergency rescue team performed CPR on the man before taking him to Mgarr Harbour. He was transferred to Gozo General Hospital where he was certified dead a short time later.
Magistrate Brigitte Sultana has opened a magisterial inquiry as police investigations continue.
Twelve people have died by drowning so far this year including two very young children who drowned in privately owned swimming pools. According to police figures, 14 people died in drowning incidents last year.
Last month, Salvu Vella, a 73-year old Maltese-Australian, died after getting into difficulties at Ħondoq Bay in Gozo. Earlier in July, a 25-year-old Nepalese man died while swimming at Exiles, Sliema on July 8 and 67-year-old from Munxar was found unconscious in the sea at Xlendi Bay in Gozo hours later.
This is a breaking story. More details to follow.