Tourist in danger after being rescued from sea

A 44-year old Austrian tourist is in danger of losing her life after a battle with rough seas about half a nautical mile off Marsascala yesterday.

The tourist, Gereraud Kammerer, who was residing at the Jerma Palace Hotel, was rescued by an Alouette helicopter from the Armed Forces of Malta's second regiment.

The AFM said the air squadron was informed by telephone at 12.35 p.m. that there was a tourist in difficulty in the sea.

The rescue helicopter was scrambled to the scene but the tourist in distress had by then already been carried towards St Thomas Bay.

A rescue diver was lowered by winch from the helicopter and assisted the tourist onboard. She was immediately conveyed to St Luke's Hospital for urgent medical attention.

The operation was conducted in strong northwest Force 4 to 5 winds, with a heavy easterly swell.

The Vittoria-class rescue launch, Melita 2, from the maritime squadron, was also on scene to provide assistance.

An Alouette helicopter during rescue winching drill practice.