A British visitor tragically drowned at a renowned location in Malta after using a slide from a pleasure boat into the sea. The 43-year-old man encountered difficulties in the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon in Comino on Tuesday afternoon. Holidaymakers noticed him struggling underwater and brought him to the surface, where they administered CPR. Despite their efforts, he was declared dead at the hospital.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, with Magistrate Brigitte Sultana leading the inquiry. Emergency responders from Malta’s Emergency Response and Rescue Corps promptly arrived at the scene and transported the victim to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. Despite receiving medical attention, the man was pronounced dead upon arrival at Victoria Hospital. This marks the 13th drowning incident in Malta this year and the third in Comino, a popular tourist destination.

In a separate incident, a 35-year-old Italian man lost his life last month after encountering difficulties at the Blue Lagoon. Additionally, in April, the body of a 71-year-old fisherman was discovered off the coast of Comino hours after being reported missing.

Another tragedy unfolded when a Spanish tourist was struck by a propeller while boarding a boat in Comino, resulting in severe injuries and her subsequent passing in July. Sadly, incidents of people getting into distress in the sea are not uncommon, with 14 recorded deaths in 2024 according to police data. Despite being a major tourist attraction in Malta, the Blue Lagoon has raised concerns regarding safety and the preservation of its natural environment.

A recent initiative called ‘Blue Lagoon Rehabilitation: Balancing Nature and Experience’ was introduced by Maltese authorities, aiming to enhance safety measures and visitor experience. The project includes expanding the designated swimming area by approximately 5,600 square meters, relocating kiosks from the shoreline, and establishing a 200-meter walkway. Moreover, boat docking areas will be repositioned to ensure a safe distance from the swimming zones.