Updated | Tragedy as snorkeler drowns off Comino

A Dutch swimmer has died earlier this afternoon, after finding herself in difficulty whilst snorkeling in the sea around Comino.

In a statement, the Police said that they had received an emergency call reporting that a person had lost consciousness whilst snorkeling in the area between the Blue Lagoon and Tal-Ħmara bay at around 12:10pm this afternoon.

The 61 year old swimmer who had been snorkelling with her husband at San Niklaw Bay in Comino was taken ashore aboard a luzzu by a group of divers who happened to be in the vicinity, where she received first aid from members of the Emergency Response Rescue Corps. An AFM helicopter transferred the casualty to Mater Dei Hospital but sadly, not in time to save her.

Magistrate Joanne Vella Cuschieri was informed of the case and has appointed a panel of experts to assist in her inquiry.