A Turkish sailor was airlifted to Malta after he was involved in an accident on board his vessel, but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at Mater Dei Hospital.
Police said the incident happened after the 22-year-old was "caught up in machinery" on board a vessel some 24 nautical miles off Gozo.
An Armed Forces of Malta rescue helicopter together with a medical team was called to the scene around 2pm but the sailor died shortly after arrival at hospital.
A magisterial inquiry is underway. The police are investigating.