Media announced that following a rescue operation at the Ċirkewwa Marine Park diving site, in the north of Malta, one diver was reported dead on arrival at hospital whilst another 17 were rescued with no critical injuries.
Later in the day, news reports were updated with the information that the deceased diver is a 45 year old man from the Netherlands.
Whilst further information is being compiled, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim.
It is understood that whilst this morning conditions were calm, the wind turned and started blowing from the South West up to Force 6 close to noon.
This is the first diving fatality reported this year in the Maltese Islands which see an average of 3 fatal accidents a year as per our list of statistics based on news reports.
We also remind those who might have been on site and suffered shock or mental anxiety to use services such as Olli chat, run by the Richmond Foundation or Helpline 1770.
Update 31/03/2024: The Sunday Times of Malta carried an interview with one of the persons on site who recounted the rescue effort to try to assist divers in the water. You may read the article here: https://timesofmalta.com/article/hero-helped-divers-distress-speaks.1090183