Updated 03/07/2025 with funeral information
The funeral mass for Dione will be held at 08:30 on Saturday 5 July 2025 at Iklin Parish Centre.
Updated on 01/07/2025 at 08:00
Informed sources have informed us that the diver, Dione Galdes, 59, passed away this morning whilst at Mater Dei Hospital where he was being treated for the last two days.
Dione was a well known figure in local diving circles and was formerly active as a BSAC Instructor within the Calypso Sub-Aqua Club, of which he was a long term member who later made an announcement on their Facebook page which is shared below.
Condolences to his immediate family and friends. Funeral details will be shared once available.
Earlier on Sunday 29/06/2025
The Malta Police Force announced this morning that a diver was conveyed to hospital in a serious condition following an accident at the Ċirkewwa Marine Park.
A 59-year-old man from Iklin is in serious condition after diving in Ċirkewwa earlier this morning.
It was around 0900hrs, when assistance was requested as a diver found himself in difficulty and had been brought ashore by some people.
He was given medical assistance and shortly afterwards was transferred by ambulance to Mater Dei Hospital.
Magistrate Dr Ian Farrugia LL.D was informed about the case who appointed a Magisterial Inquiry.
Police investigations are ongoing.
Official statement by the Malta Police Force
Eyewitness told divinginfo.mt that the diving accident was the result of a potential oversight in equipment setup or potential triggering of a medical condition* prior to the actual dive starting, leading to a rescue from the shallow water entrance*. Assistance was given by those on site but an ambulance had to be dispatched from Mater Dei Hospital.
The diver in question is a well-known and respected long-time local diver, a diving industry figure and a volunteer instructor active in local diving circles, members of which expressed their disbelief that this accident occurred. Latest information in the early afternoon provided mixed encouraging stable condition reports but police instead advised no change in condition.
Together with the rest of the local diving community, we augur well for the health of the casualty, and extend thanks to all those who have assisted.
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.
*Note: Text in underlined and italics is information added in the article on 01/07/2025 due to mixed information received by divinginfo.mt – Official court-led investigation information and experts’ reports in the Maltese Legal system are considered secret and cannot be revealed unless this is read in open court when someone is charged with a potential crime if the investigation identifies any potential criminal shortcomings for which a case would be launched against a living person. This includes any medical or diving protocols information related to a casualty.