According to a police statement, the 34-year-old man was walking on the rocks in the area under McDonald’s in Bugibba at around 2.45pm when he lost his balance and fell into the water.

The police said the man was brought up from the sea by other swimmers who were in the area at the time of the incident. However, he had already swallowed too much water and died shortly after being rescued. Attempts to revive him were futile.

Duty magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima was informed about the case. She appointed several court experts to assist her in her inquiry. Qawra police are investigating.