Updated 1030am with new details.
A 26-year-old Chinese man lost his life after a natural rock arch collapsed onto a jet ski in Comino on Saturday evening, police confirmed.
The tragic incident occurred at around 7pm while the man was riding a jet ski beneath the arch. A 27-year-old Chinese woman, who was travelling with him, sustained grievous injuries and was taken to Gozo General Hospital for treatment.
According to the police, the collapse happened shortly after a 32-year-old American tourist had dived from the rock formation into the sea. The American was rescued by a passing boat and did not require hospital treatment.
Members of the Armed Forces of Malta’s diving unit later located the body of the Chinese man trapped beneath large rocks. However, recovery efforts proved challenging due to the weight and instability of the collapsed rock.
Emergency services resumed operations on Sunday in an effort to recover the victim. The Civil Protection Department said an initial attempt to lift the rocks using flotation airbags was unsuccessful, confirming that heavier equipment would be required.
Authorities are now planning to transport a crane to the site on a barge to enable the safe removal of the rocks and the recovery of the man’s body.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collapse are ongoing with Magistrate Monica Borg Vella holding an inquiry.
Earlier
A man has died after a natural archway collapsed suddenly onto a jet ski off the coast of Comino around 730pm.
Another person was taken to Mgarr Harbour and eventually taken to hospital. The jet ski was completely destroyed in the incident. Civil Protection personnel and divers are currently onsite in search of possible survivors.
This is a breaking news story
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