**Tragedy Strikes as Boy Dies and Man Goes Missing in Malta** A British man is currently missing following a tragic incident in Malta where an 11-year-old boy lost his life while swimming. The emergency services were alerted to the situation at Ramla Bay shortly after 1pm on Monday. Rescuers from the police and the Civil Protection Department launched an intensive search operation using dinghies and helicopters. The boy was rescued from the water and rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. It remains unclear whether the boy and the missing man were swimming together when they encountered difficulties. The Meteorological Office had issued warnings about strong winds affecting Malta at the beginning of the week. Since the start of 2025, there have been 16 reported drownings in the country. The search for the missing man, whose identity has not been disclosed, resumed this morning. This incident follows another drowning involving a British tourist last month at the renowned Blue Lagoon in Comino. The 43-year-old man had used a slide from a pleasure boat into the sea but failed to resurface. Holidaymakers attempted to assist him and performed CPR, but he was later declared dead in hospital. A police spokesperson confirmed that Magistrate Brigitte Sultana has initiated an inquiry into the recent tragedy. Volunteer first-aiders from Malta’s Emergency Response and Rescue Corps were on the scene and transported the boy to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. Drowning incidents in Malta have been on the rise. In August, a 35-year-old Italian man drowned at the Blue Lagoon, and in April, the body of a 71-year-old fisherman was discovered off the coast of Comino after he was reported missing. Additionally, a Spanish tourist died in July after being struck by a boat propeller while attempting to board a vessel in Comino. Despite being a popular tourist destination, the Blue Lagoon has faced ongoing safety concerns, particularly regarding its natural ecosystems. The lagoon's official website states that lifeguards are present to ensure visitor safety, and a designated swimming area is maintained from May to October to promote safe swimming practices.