The search resumed at daybreak today for a 17-year-old French girl missing and presumed drowned after finding herself in difficulties while swimming at Xwejni, Marsalforn yesterday afternoon.

A 53-year-old man who was with her also died and his body was lifted from the sea by helicopter.

The alarm was raised about 5 p.m. by the man's wife and daughter, who were on shore. Policemen and members of the Civil Protection Department could not do anything to help them from shore.

The search is being carried out by an AFM helicopter and a patrol boat while policemen and members of the Civil Protection Department have been deployed onshore.

Yesterday's events recalled the tragedy, also involving French tourists, last May when five died when their dinghy capsized off Xlendi while they were heading back to their yacht, anchored off Dwejra.

The victims were Philippe Grimaud, 41, Marie Grimaud, 38, Sandrine Godet, 36, Elias Chmouni, 49, and Eli Chmouni, 14. 

The lifeless bodies of Marie Grimaud and Sandrine Godet, were found off Fomm Ir-Rih while that of Elias Chmouni was found in the Comino Channel. The other two were never found.

Xwejni Bay this morning. Picture - Susan Mompalao de Piro - mynews@timesofmalta.com