Updated: 28.01.26 – 16:43
The 13-year-old Polish girl who tragically lost her life after being swept out to sea at Ċirkewwa on Monday afternoon has been identified as Oliwia Wojnowska.
The teenager was reported missing after being dragged into the sea by strong waves while at the South Quay area. Her body was later recovered by divers during an extensive search operation involving the Armed Forces of Malta, the Civil Protection Department and the Police.
Authorities have reiterated their appeal to the public to heed weather warnings and stay away from exposed coastal areas, particularly during adverse sea conditions.
Updated: 28.01.26 – 11:27
Missing 13-year-old Polish girl found dead after days-long search in Ċirkewwa
The search for the 13-year-old Polish girl who was swept out to sea at Ċirkewwa earlier this week has ended in tragedy. Divers located the girl’s body in the waters off Paradise Bay on Wednesday morning, shortly before 11am.
The discovery was made not far from the area where the teenager was dragged into the sea by a powerful wave on Monday afternoon. Following the confirmation, search operations were officially brought to a close.
Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri confirmed the development in a social media post, stating that the body was recovered by divers. He added that the Police Support Response Team is providing assistance to the girl’s family during this difficult time.
Earlier in the day, Civil Protection Department spokesperson Mark Zammit had explained that CPD divers were actively searching Paradise Bay, supported by swimmers combing the area around the rocks and boulders. At the time, 25 CPD personnel were deployed on site as part of the coordinated operation.
Further details are expected to be released by the authorities.
Photo: TOM – Chris Sant Fournier
Updated: 28.01.26 – 10:44
AFM resume search at first light for missing 13-year-old swept to sea at Ċirkewwa
The Armed Forces of Malta have issued a further update confirming that the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Malta) continues to coordinate the search for the 13-year-old Polish girl who was swept into the sea at Ċirkewwa.
Despite persistently rough weather conditions around the Maltese Islands, search efforts remained active throughout the day, with both maritime and aerial assets deployed in an extensive operation. The search was resumed again this morning at first light, as rescue teams continue to scour the area.
Civil Protection Department spokesperson Mark Zammit confirmed that CPD divers are now actively searching the waters of Paradise Bay. They are being supported by CPD swimmers conducting searches close to the shoreline and among the boulders at various points around the bay. A total of 25 CPD personnel are currently deployed on site.
When asked whether the operation had shifted from search and rescue to recovery, Zammit stressed that it remains a search and rescue mission.
The Armed Forces of Malta continue to assist with aerial and maritime searches, while CPD rescuers and police officers are carrying out coordinated operations on land. Divers were unable to enter the water earlier due to dangerous sea conditions in the Paradise Bay area.
Meanwhile, a significant development was reported on Tuesday afternoon when a drone operator identified a jacket believed to belong to the teenager on rocks near the sunset viewpoint overlooking Paradise Bay. Search teams are continuing to focus efforts in this area as the operation progresses.
RCC Malta has warned that strong winds and rough seas are expected to continue over the coming days. In light of this, the public is being strongly urged to stay away from exposed coastal areas and to avoid approaching the shoreline.
Authorities have reiterated their appeal for caution, stressing that no one should put their life at risk by venturing too close to the sea during adverse weather conditions.
Updated: 27.01.26 – 13:13
Polish father and children swept into sea while taking photos at Ċirkewwa as search for 13-year-old girl continues
Further details have emerged in relation to the ongoing search for the 13-year-old girl who was swept into the sea at Ċirkewwa, as rescue operations continue under extremely challenging conditions.
It has now been confirmed by the Civil Protection Department that the two children involved are Polish nationals who were dragged into the sea from the Ċirkewwa South Quay while taking photographs near the mole. The children were accompanied by their 49-year-old father at the time of the incident.
The tragedy unfolded when strong waves struck the area, pulling both children into the water. While the father managed to survive the ordeal, sustaining injuries to his legs, he was taken to Mater Dei Hospital for medical treatment. He has since been discharged and returned to his hotel, where he remains under observation.
The older sibling, confirmed as a 17-year-old boy, not 14 as was previously said, was not injured in the incident. However, the 13-year-old girl remains missing.
Search and rescue teams have intensified their efforts, deploying drones in addition to marine and aerial assets. The search area has been expanded beyond Paradise Bay and along the western coastline, reaching as far as the cliffs near Ħad-Dingli.
Rescue Officer Mark Zammit stated that the family appeared to be unaware of the severe weather warnings issued by Maltese authorities in recent hours, as strong winds and rough seas battered exposed coastal areas.
Despite deteriorating conditions, rescue forces remain on high alert, with operations continuing as weather permits. Authorities continue to urge the public to strictly observe weather advisories and to avoid exposed coastal zones during adverse conditions.
The search for the missing girl is ongoing.
Updated: 26.01.26 – 22:08
Search continues for missing tourist girl as rough seas and strong winds batter Ċirkewwa
Further details have emerged regarding the ongoing search for the missing girl who was swept into the sea at Ċirkewwa.
It has been confirmed that the girl, a tourist staying at a nearby hotel, had gone to the South Quay area with her father and brother, reportedly to take photos of the rough sea conditions. During their visit, both children were pulled into the water by the strong waves.
The father managed to rescue the boy but sustained injuries in the process. A witness described the moment the children fell into the sea as being “swallowed up by the rough sea.”
Search and rescue efforts remain ongoing, though they are being severely hampered by adverse weather and sea conditions. As a result of the inclement weather in the area, Gozo Channel operations have been diverted via the Comino route.
Rescue sources have indicated that sea conditions remain extremely rough and dangerous, even for experienced and well-equipped responders. There are concerns that the force of the waves may have pushed the girl against the rocky coastline.
Earlier, the Meteorological Office had issued a yellow weather warning, cautioning of west-northwest winds expected to shift to northwest and become strong to very strong across the Maltese Islands. Authorities continue to urge the public to heed weather warnings and avoid exposed coastal areas during severe conditions.
The search operation continues.
Earlier:
Search underway for missing 13-year-old girl after being swept into sea at Ċirkewwa
A major search and rescue operation is underway after a 13-year-old girl was reported missing at sea near Ċirkewwa after being swept into the water by strong winds and rough seas.
The incident took place earlier this evening, prompting an immediate response from the Armed Forces of Malta, the Police and the Civil Protection Department. Rescue teams are actively searching the area by both sea and air, with an AFM helicopter deployed over the Ċirkewwa harbour and surrounding waters.
Initial reports indicate that the girl was in the area with her 14-year-old brother and an adult male when strong waves struck. Both the girl and her brother were reportedly dragged into the sea. The boy managed to make it back to shore and was rescued, while the girl remains unaccounted for.
Sources also stated that the man who was with the minors suffered a serious injury to his leg during the incident.
Search efforts are ongoing, though challenging sea and weather conditions are complicating the operation. Authorities have not yet released further details as the rescue mission continues.
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