A British visitor tragically drowned at a renowned attraction in Malta after sliding from a pleasure boat into the sea. The 43-year-old man encountered distress in the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon in Comino on Tuesday afternoon. Despite efforts by holidaymakers who noticed him struggling underwater and performed CPR after bringing him to the surface, he was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Following the incident, an inquiry into the matter was initiated by Magistrate Brigitte Sultana, as confirmed by a police spokesperson. Volunteer first-aiders from Malta’s Emergency Response and Rescue Corps swiftly responded by transporting the victim to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo where paramedics attempted to revive him, but unfortunately, he did not survive. This marks the 13th drowning incident in Malta this year, with Comino accounting for three fatalities, making it a popular yet risky destination for tourists.
Recent tragedies in the area include a 35-year-old Italian man who lost his life in a similar water mishap at the Blue Lagoon last month, and the discovery of a deceased 71-year-old fisherman off the coast of Comino in April. Additionally, a Spanish tourist succumbed to injuries sustained from a propeller accident while boarding a boat in Comino earlier in July.
Despite being a major tourist attraction, the Blue Lagoon has been associated with safety concerns, with a total of 14 recorded drownings in 2021 according to police reports. To address these issues, Maltese officials have unveiled a project named ‘Blue Lagoon Rehabilitation: Balancing Nature and Experience’. This initiative aims to enhance safety measures by expanding the designated swimming area, removing shoreline kiosks, installing a 200-meter walkway, and relocating boat docking zones to ensure a safer environment for visitors.
In light of these incidents, it is crucial for individuals to heed safety warnings and guidance provided by lifeguards at the Blue Lagoon, especially considering the potential risks posed by strong currents on certain days. Visitors are advised to stay vigilant, check for safety flags, and follow instructions from onsite personnel to prevent further tragedies in the future.
