A 72-year-old woman who lost consciousness while swimming at Pretty Bay, Birzebbuga, this morning, is in critical condition.

The police said the woman, who lives in Birzebbuga, was swimming with her sister when she lost consciousness at around 7.45am.

Her sister tried to push her back towards shore as she called out for help.

A number of men rushed to her aid and pulled the victim ashore, where she was administered first aid by a qualified foreign national until a medical team arrived on site.

The woman was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital by ambulance.

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