A British visitor tragically drowned at a renowned site in Malta after slipping into the sea from a pleasure boat. The 43-year-old man encountered difficulties in the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon in Comino around 1:30 pm on Tuesday. Holidaymakers noticed him struggling underwater and promptly brought him to the surface, where they initiated CPR. Despite their efforts, he was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with Magistrate Brigitte Sultana overseeing the inquiry. Emergency responders from Malta’s Emergency Response and Rescue Corps swiftly transported the victim to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo for medical attention. Despite the paramedics’ efforts, the man could not be revived and was pronounced dead at Victoria Hospital.
This unfortunate incident marks the 13th recorded drowning in Malta this year, with the third fatality occurring in Comino, a popular tourist destination. In a separate incident last month, a 35-year-old Italian man also lost his life after encountering difficulties at the Blue Lagoon. Tragically, in April, the body of a 71-year-old fisherman was discovered off the coast of Comino a few hours after he was reported missing.
Additionally, a Spanish tourist lost her life following an accident involving a boat propeller in Comino. Sustaining severe injuries in July, she succumbed to her injuries later on. Regrettably, incidents of water-related tragedies are not uncommon, with 14 recorded deaths in 2024 according to police data.
While the Blue Lagoon remains a significant attraction in Malta, concerns about safety persist, particularly regarding the preservation of its natural ecosystems. Efforts to address these concerns are underway, with officials announcing the ‘Blue Lagoon Rehabilitation: Balancing Nature and Experience’ project. The initiative aims to enhance safety measures, including expanding the designated swimming area and relocating boat docking areas to ensure a safer environment for visitors.
