A 55-year-old Filipino seafarer has died after falling into the sea while carrying out work around 15 nautical miles off the coast off Marsascala, the police said Saturday.

The incident occurred yesterday, when the police were informed by the Armed Forces of Malta, who had been requested to provide assistance after a seafarer fell into the sea while securing a service boat to a vessel. The man reportedly fell from the boat as a result of rough sea conditions.

Preliminary investigations revealed that another Filipino seafarer, aged 43, jumped into the sea in an attempt to rescue the man. With the assistance of two other crew members, they managed to retrieve him from the water.

Both men were brought ashore by the Armed Forces of Malta. Unfortunately, the 55-year-old was certified dead on arrival, while the other seafarer was taken to Mater Dei Hospital, where it was later confirmed that he had not sustained any injuries.

Magistrate Dr Joe Mifsud LL.D. has appointed an inquiry, while police investigations into the incident are ongoing.