Two deaths at sea in less than 12 hours

Police are investigating two separate drowning incidents that occurred overnight and early this morning, both resulting in the deaths of swimmers.

The first incident occurred around 1:00 a.m., when police were informed that a 25-year-old man from Nepal, residing in Ħal Qormi, had been admitted to Mater Dei Hospital after experiencing difficulty while swimming in the Exiles area of Sliema.

Initial investigations revealed that the man had gone swimming with friends when, for unknown reasons, he began struggling in the water. His companions managed to bring him to shore and immediately called for help. Despite efforts to save him, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

A few hours later, at approximately 7:15 a.m., police were called to respond to another emergency at Xlendi Bay. Witnesses reported seeing a man unconscious in the water. Bystanders quickly intervened, pulling the man from the sea and providing first aid until a medical team arrived. Unfortunately, the 67-year-old man from Munxar was certified dead on the scene.

Police investigations into both cases are ongoing. Magistrates have been appointed to lead independent inquiries into each incident.