The dead body of a swimmer who went missing off Migra l-Ferha on Saturday evening was found by an Armed Forces of Malta helicopter on Sunday morning.

The police said the 34-year-old American man, who lives in the Netherlands, jumped into the sea but found himself in difficulty shortly afterwards.

A 38-year-old Portuguese man who was in the same group jumped into the sea to assist but was carried away by strong currents and was later rescued at Gnejna Bay. The man, who lives in Sliema, was unharmed.

Members of the Civil Protection Department and AFM personnel mounted a search for the American man. His body was found near Migra l-Ferha on Sunday morning.

The body was spotted from an AFM helicopter and was later picked up by a patrol vessel. It was later taken to Cirkewwa and transferred by hearse to Mater Dei Hospital.

Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras is leading an inquiry. The police are also investigating. 

Photo: Kevin Schembri Orland