Wednesday, 13th August 2008

Boy, 14, dies in swimming accident at Għadira

A 14-year-old boy, James Borg, died shortly after being pulled out of the sea unconscious following what turned out to be a late night swimming accident.

The police said that a mobile squad patrol was informed that a boy had been injured at Għadira Bay at around 12.45 a.m. yesterday. They found some people trying to revive him and gave assistance while an ambulance was called to the bay. The boy was immediately rushed to hospital but died despite intense efforts to save him, the police said.

His friends said that the boy, a resident of San Ġwann, had gone for a swim, jumping off a pontoon. They then realised that he wasn't moving and quickly carried him ashore.

An autopsy later in the afternoon confirmed that the boy had hit his head, suffering concussion, and drowned.

Duty Magistrate Silvio Meli was informed of the accident and appointed a number of experts to assist in an inquiry.