Holiday Britons drown on paradise isle
TWO British holidaymakers have died after being swept away while swimming off a paradise island.
The 35- year- old men were heard crying for help after they were caught in currents off the Maltese island of Comino.
One man tried to swim out but was unable to save them.
One of the tourists was eventually plucked from the water and taken by private boat to the nearby harbour of Mgarr on the island of Gozo.
The other was dragged to a beach on Comino where a civilian doctor tried to resuscitate him. An army helicopter took him to Gozo General Hospital. However, both men were later declared dead.
A third Briton holidaying with them was taken to Gozo Hospital suffering from shock. The three had been enjoying a trip to Comino’s Blue Lagoon when the tragedy struck on Saturday at about 3.30pm.
The area, which boasts some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean, is popular with day- trippers staying on the larger islands of Malta and Gozo. Some locals have now called for lifeguards or a flag warning system at the popular swimming spot.
“We are very sad about this tragedy, we tried our best to help,” said a spokesman for the Armed Forces of Malta. “It was windy and it’s believed the men were caught in currents.”
A local magistrate was told of the case and an inquiry has been opened.
Locals said one of the victims was a dentist from Small Heath, Birmingham. His family has been informed of his death.