A BRITISH tourist has drowned in Malta’s world-famous Blue Lagoon after using a slide from a pleasure boat into the sea.
The 43-year-old plunged into the turquoise waters off Comino at around 1.30pm on Tuesday but quickly found himself in difficulty.
GettyA British tourist drowned in Malta’s Blue Lagoon after using a pleasure boat slide[/caption]
AlamyThe 43-year-old encountered difficulties in the water around 1.30pm on Tuesday[/caption]
Holidaymakers spotted him underwater and dragged him to the surface, where they began CPR, according to the Times of Malta.
Volunteer first aiders from Malta’s Emergency Response and Rescue Corps rushed to the scene and ferried him to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo.
A hospital team was waiting, but the man was tragically pronounced dead on arrival at Victoria Hospital.
Police confirmed Magistrate Brigitte Sultana has launched an inquiry into the death.
It marks the 13th drowning in Malta this year, and the third in Comino.
Just last month, a 35-year-old Italian tourist lost his life in the same lagoon.
In April, a 71-year-old fisherman’s body was found off Comino’s coast.
And in July, a Spanish holidaymaker was left with serious injuries after being struck by a boat propeller.
The tragedies come as plans are unveiled for a sweeping overhaul of the Blue Lagoon to improve safety and protect its fragile ecosystem.
Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg announced proposals including the removal of shoreline kiosks to create a 200-metre scenic walkway.
The plans will also see the restoration of 35,000 square metres of shrubland, and the relocation of vessel operations away from swimmers.
The project, titled Blue Lagoon Rehabilitation: Balancing Nature and Experience, also aims to enlarge the swimming zone by around 5,600 square metres.
Malta’s Blue Lagoon is a stunning turquoise gem on Comino, which lures thousands annually.
Its crystal waters and cinematic cliffs have been featured in blockbusters like Troy.
Social media fuels its fame, but the Natura 2000 site’s ecosystem is buckling under overtourism.
To curb the crush, Malta rolled out a free booking system in May 2025, slashing daily visitors to 4,000 from peaks of 12,000.
The cap has cut peak crowds, boosting safety and aiding conservation efforts.
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