Updated: German faces difficulties while diving

(Adds details)

A 45-year-old German holidaying in Gozo is in a critical condition after facing difficulties while diving at ix-Xatt l-Ahmar in Ghajnsielem this afternoon.

The police said they were informed that there was a man facing difficulties at around 3.30 p.m.

Two Malta Red Cross Gozo branch divers who happened to be at the vicinity preparing for a dive on Mv Xlendi to check underwater warning signs installed inside and outside the wreck by Red Cross divers some weeks ago, were alerted by divers who recovered the injured diver from near the exit point.

Having called the emergency services, the necessary treatment started to be given to the semiconscious diver. In the meantime the newly equipped hydro ambulance Tricheco II which was out at sea was also alerted.

The Red Cross later provided the necessary equipment so that the diver could be safely lifted to the parking lot where the Gozo General hospital ambulance was on standby, the organisation said.