A 39-year-old Swedish man died yesterday afternoon while snorkelling in the area known as L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa, police said.

The incident happened at about 4.30pm when police were informed that a tourist who had been snorkelling alone was in difficulty and needed help.

The Armed Forces of Malta were called in and the man was brought to shore by helicopter. He was certified dead on the spot.

A magisterial inquiry is under way.