Police said the woman, 63-year-old Renate Weiss, was swimming with her husband when she found herself in difficulty due to the prevailing rough seas.

A number of people who were swimming nearby tried to help her, but by the time they managed to get her to shore, she was already dead.

Within a few minutes, a number of police officials, members of the Civil Protection Department and a helicopter of the Armed Forces of Malta arrived on scene.

Magistrate Paul Coppini was informed about the case. He appointed several court experts to assist him with the inquiry. An autopsy is to be carried out today.

Gozo district police are investigating the case.