A man has died after drowning in Gozo, police said on Thursday.

The police said that it was informed of a request for assistance around Ras ir-Reqqa in the limits of Żebbuġ in Gozo at around 3pm on Thusday.

Preliminary investigations showed that a 34-year-old man from Għajnsielem found himself in difficulty while swimming. People who were close by gave the man first aid and brought him ashore.

The victim was later identified as Manuel Curmi.  Curmi had just become a firefighter, joining the Civil Protection Department last February.  He had also only recently gotten engaged, proposing to his girlfriend just over six weeks ago.

A medical team came on site and the man was rushed to Gozo General Hospital, but he was unfortunately certified dead a little bit later.

Magistrate Brigitte Sultana is leading an inquiry, while police investigations are also ongoing.