Updated on 22/04/2026 with witness’ statement
On 17 April 2026 the Malta Police Force announced that:
“A 64-year-old Englishman, unfortunately, lost his life while diving in Wied iż-Żurrieq.
The incident occurred at around 1530hrs. The Police immediately went to the scene together with members of the Civil Protection where they brought the diver to land.
As soon as he was brought to land, a medical team began to assist him and an ambulance took him to Mater Dei Hospital. Unfortunately, he was certified dead a short time later.
Magistrate Dr Philip Galea Farrugia LL.D was informed of the case and appointed an inquiry while investigations by the Police are still ongoing.”
https://pulizija.gov.mt/en/diver-dies-in-wied-iz-zurrieq/
One media house shared the following post which includes some footage understood to be related to this case.
Update with victims’ details
On 19 April 2026, our news tickers identified a news portal link which tells us that the victim of this tragedy was Anthony Thompson, a 64-year-old father of four and former Royal Navy serviceman, living in Wales, United Kingdom. His brother led the heartfelt tributes to the well-known former truck driver, expressing the family’s devastation while finding solace in the fact that he died doing an activity he loved.
More information can be found at this link:
https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/26033680.tributes-bolton-man-killed-malta-diving-tragedy
Update with witness’ story
On 22 April 2026, a diving instructor who was present when the tragedy occurred posted in the local diving instructors’ Facebook group the following post:
“It is with great sadness that we share news of a fatal incident that occurred on Friday 17th April.
Norman Anthony Thompson sadly lost his life while diving with us on the Faroude.The dive was made from a hard boat so no swim out
Norm was a seasoned diver from the UK who enjoyed diving abroad, particularly in Malta and Egypt.
We would like to share the known facts, as there has been speculation on other pages.
Dive 1 was completed without issue, followed by a 90-minute surface interval.
Dive 2 was also completed, including a safety stop on the shot line, which was confirmed secure at the surface. An “OK” signal was given to the skipper. Norm was on the surface with his buddy.
Shortly after, Norm was observed to turn face down and drift away from the shot. There was minimal current. His buddy quickly reached him, brought him back, and called for assistance.
The boat was alongside within seconds, and Norm was recovered to the deck. He showed no signs of life.
CPR was started immediately, and oxygen was administered. Efforts continued for 37 minutes until rescue services arrived, which was rapid given the location.
Norm was transferred to the rescue team and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
A post-mortem has confirmed the cause of death as heart failure, with an enlarged heart that was previously undiagnosed.
Our thoughts are with Norm’s family, friends, and dive buddy at this very difficult time.
Post in Diving Instructors Malta Facebook Group by Kevin Murphy
On behalf of the local diving community, we wish to extend our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
We wish to remind those who might have been exposed to this event or that may have otherwise suffered shock or mental anxiety following this or similar events to use services such as Olli chat, run by the Richmond Foundation or Helpline 1770.