A TOURIST has been tragically killed after being crushed by falling rocks from Malta’s famous “Kissing Elephants” formation.
The archway collapsed when an American holidaymaker stood atop it before preparing to jump into the sea however it gave-way.
The natural limestone arch completely collapsed into the sea. Credit: Collect
The “Kissing Elephant” formation was a popular site for tourists. Credit: Collect
The arch tumbled into the sea just as two tourists rode underneath it on a jet ski.
A 26-year-old Chinese man who is yet to be named, was found trapped against the seabed after the rocks came crashing down on his jet ski.
Police were called around 7.15pm to reports of the large rock falling on people near Comino, an island in Malta.
Shortly after their arrival, a 27-year-old Chinese woman, who was on the jet ski, was located and taken to hospital.
Extensive search and rescue efforts were required in finding the body of the 26-year-old man. Credit: Collect
Blue lagoon is another popular destination on Comino island. Credit: Getty
She was transported by road to Gozo General Hospital, with non-life threatening but serious injuries, local media report.
Following extensive search and rescue efforts, divers from the Armed Forces of Malta later located the Chinese tourist trapped beneath heavy rocks underwater, on Sunday.
Preliminary investigations by Maltese police revealed that a 32-year-old American man was about to jump from a natural rock arch when it collapsed beneath him.
The Jet skiers were subsequently thrown into the sea.
Blue Lagoon Bay on the Comino island, an island between the islands of Gozo and Malta. Credit: Getty
Blue Lagoon, Comino Island, Malta Credit: Alamy
The American man was rescued from the water by a private boat and taken to Mġarr Harbour, where he received medical assistance but did not require hospital treatment.
Members of the Armed Forces of Malta were called to the scene and launched a search and rescue operation to find the missing man.
Tragically, he was found by Armed Forces divers trapped beneath the rock underwater, with no signs of life.
Due to the circumstances in which his body was found, the recovery operation continued throughout Sunday, with his body eventually being recovered late in the evening after employing the use of heavy machinery.
A Maltese Magistrate, Dr Monica Vella LL.D., has opened a Magisterial Inquiry.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
The “Kissing Elephants” rock formation was a natural limestone arch located in Comino, a small island northwest of Malta’s mainland, and was one of the countries most iconic natural landmarks.
Michelle Attard Tonna, a kayaker told the the Times of Malta, said she saw a crack appear in the arch two weeks ago.
She said that despite the arch clearly being vulnerable to collapse, there were no warning signs for people not to approach the rock.
A local tour group, named Outdoor Explorers Malta Boat Trips, who frequent the iconic site, have paid tribute to the victim.
In a post to Facebook, the company said: “It is with great sadness that we must report that one person has lost thier life in this incident.
“We extend our deepest condolances to the family, friends and loved ones of the victim.
“This is an immeasurable tragedy.”
One commenter, Katherine Woolmore, said: “Sadly I feel it was one that could have been prevented. These sites should be monitored constantly and if there is a rick of death or injury it should be off limits. Health and safety should be proactive and not reactive.”
About five years ago, a section of the arch had already fallen – making what remained even thinner, local media report.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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