The grim scene at Xwejni this afternoonA man died and a young woman was presumed dead in rough seas off Xwejni in Marsalforn this afternoon.
People on the scene raised the alarm at about 4.45 p.m. but rescue efforts were unsuccessful. The lifeless body of the man, 53, was lifted from the sea by helicopter and taken to shore, where a police hearse was waiting. But rescuers lost sight of the woman, 17, and a search continued until daylight faded.
Both were French tourists.
Today's unusually rough seas took many swimmers by surprise. At Fond Ghadir, Sliema two young women were rescued by soldiers on a dinghy after having been unable to return to shore. The case happened at about 5 p.m.
Earlier in the day, an AFM rescue launch also rescued a canoeist who overturned off Fort St Elmo.
Video Claire Dimech -mynews@timesofmalta.com
One of the bodies being carried to a mortuary van after being brought ashore. Picture Raphael Axiak - mynews@timesofmalta.com
The girls being rescued at Fond Ghadir, Sliema - Picture Chris Sant Fournier.