Yesterday, at around 1800hrs, police were informed that their assistance was needed due to a person finding difficulty swimming at St Thomas Bay, Marsaskala.
Police and a medical team convened immediately on site, with Armed Forces of Malta and Civil Protection assisting in the retrieval of the victim.
Unfortunately, he was certified as dead on site. The victim was later identified as an 80 year old man resident of Żejtun.
An inquiry has been opened as investigations continue.
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Yesterday, at around 1830hrs, police were informed that their assistance was needed in Triq Ġużeppi Bajada, ix-Xagħra.
Preliminary investigations showed that a 9-year-old Spanish girl suffered injuries after falling into a glass door. A medical team was called onto the scene, which transported the girl to the Gozo General Hospital for further medical attention.
She was later confirmed to have suffered serious injuries. An inquiry has been opened and police investigations are ongoing.
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Yesterday, two turtles are released back into their natural environment after having gone rehabilitation for injuries.
Turtle Nadia was rescued on the 4th of August with an ingested hook. Thankfully, Wildlife Rescue Team Malta explained, the hook was very close to the mouth and could be removed with minimal disturbance.
Meanwhile, turtle Maria was rescued on the 20th of August as she could not dive properly. No obvious injuries were noted initially but she immediately started excreting copious amounts of plastic.
‘Once the bulk of the plastic was eliminated, she started diving better.’ The release was attended to 12-year-old swimmer Liam Daly, who presented Nature Trust with a €1,050 donation raised during his awareness swim last year.
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In a powerful address at an international conference on mental health organised by the European Commission, Dr. Lydia Abela, the wife of Malta’s Prime Minister, delivered a vital message: “Seeking help to address mental health challenges is not a sign of weakness.”
The conference, held in Brussels and attended by distinguished figures such as the Vice President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas, the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides, and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, provided a platform to emphasise the importance of mental health awareness and support.
Dr. Abela announced an upcoming initiative that focuses on providing tangible assistance in schools to help young people address mental health issues. She stressed the need to promote mental health awareness and knowledge within society, particularly among children and young adults. Initiatives targeting these age groups play a crucial role in dispelling the stigma surrounding mental health.
The core message of Dr. Lydia Abela’s speech was that individuals facing mental health challenges should not only have a voice but also equal opportunities in society. This message was delivered even in the presence of Hans Henri P. Kluge, the Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Europe. Dr. Abela emphasised the importance of community-based services to ensure that no one is left to suffer alone in their mental health journey.
Recognising the significant contributions of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the mental health sphere, Dr. Lydia Abela called for increased commitment and support from the European Union towards these vital organisations. She highlighted her involvement with Special Olympics Malta, an organisation she presides over, which plays a crucial role in helping young people reach their potential through sports, thereby contributing to their mental well-being.
At the conclusion of her address, Dr. Lydia Abela introduced Gilmour Borg, a Special Olympics athlete, who shared his personal journey and how Special Olympics Malta had played a pivotal role in building his confidence and success in life. Borg’s testimony underscored the importance of prevention in mental health challenges, with Special Olympics Malta serving as a tangible example of how sport and community engagement can positively impact mental well-being.
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