Tragedy in Comino: Jet ski driver killed in rockfall trapped underwater

Updated on Saturday at 11:25pm with AFM statement

A man who was driving a jet ski near Comino, tragically died on Saturday evening after a rock collapsed onto him, trapping his lifeless body underwater, the Armed Forces of Malta said.

Two other people were injured in the incident that happened just after 7pm and were taken to Gozo General Hospital for treatment. According to eyewitnesses, one of the injured persons is believed to be a woman who was riding pillion on the jet ski and the other was a man who had jumped into the sea from atop the rock just seconds before the collapse.

In a statement on Saturday night, the AFM said a rescue vessel was deployed and on arrival, one female casualty requiring medical attention was evacuated to Mġarr Harbour and handed over to Gozo General Hospital personnel.

A second person with minor injuries was transported to Mġarr Harbour by a private vessel for further treatment.

"A search was initiated to locate the third person. Divers from Gozo Command and the 3rd Regiment were deployed to assist in the search. Divers subsequently confirmed that a person was found trapped underwater and showed no signs of life," the AFM said.

The operation is still ongoing and a magisterial inquiry is underway.

A Civil Protection Department (CPD) rescue vessel, with rescue personnel on board, was also deployed to support the operation.