A joint emergency operation successfully rescued two tourists who became trapped in Santa Marija Cave at Ġnejna on Thursday after being unable to return to safety due to rough sea conditions, statements issued by the AFM and CPD said.

The Rescue Coordination Centre Malta initiated the operation, leading to the immediate deployment of maritime assets from both the Armed Forces of Malta and the Civil Protection Department.

Personnel from Fire Stations 3, 5, and 7 arrived on the scene, where three Civil Protection rescue swimmers entered the water to reach the individuals inside the cave.

Given that the prevailing sea conditions made a maritime extraction unsafe, the operation shifted to an air rescue.

An Armed Forces of Malta AW139 helicopter was deployed to conduct a challenging winching operation. Rescue swimmers successfully hoisted both tourists from the cave area, and they were subsequently transferred to Mater Dei Hospital personnel for treatment.

The operation was made possible through the close cooperation of the Armed Forces of Malta, the Civil Protection Department, the Malta Police Force, and medical staff.

Following the incident, authorities are urging both locals and tourists to prioritise safety by closely monitoring weather forecasts and official recommendations regarding safe swimming locations before visiting coastal areas.