A Polish couple died this afternoon as a man tried to save his partner from drowning.

The police said a 50-year-old woman was washed out by a wave as she was on the rocks in the area known as Tas-Simar, in Qala, Gozo.

Her partner, a 51-year-old, jumped into the sea in an attempt to save her.

Both drowned.

The Armed Forces of Malta were called to assist. An inquiry is being held.