Six climbers brought to safety after complex rescue at Red Tower

Armed Forces of Malta airlifted an injured female climber from the Red Tower area in Mellieħa on Saturday evening after Civil Protection Department rescue teams carried out a complex operation in complete darkness to reach her and five other climbers stranded at the site.

The rescue began shortly before 7pm, when the Civil Protection Department received a report of a female climber requiring medical assistance near the Red Tower.

Rescue teams from three fire stations were deployed, and two CPD rescuers abseiled down to the casualty to carry out an initial assessment.

Given the severity of her condition, an Armed Forces of Malta helicopter was called in to airlift her to Mater Dei Hospital for further treatment

“The rescue was particularly complex and delicate due to extremely difficult access, the site was only reachable on foot, requiring significant resources and coordination,” the Civil Protection Department said in a statement. 

“Additionally, operations were conducted in complete darkness, further increasing the level of difficulty and risk.”

Once the injured climber had been evacuated by air, teams continued using specialised rope rescue techniques to bring the remaining five climbers and the two CPD rescuers safely back to a secure area. 

The Civil Protection Department thanked the Armed Forces of Malta, Mater Dei Hospital’s Emergency Department, and the Malta Police Force for their assistance during the operation.