Search Underway for 13-Year-Old Girl Swept Out to Sea in Ċirkewwa

The Armed Forces of Malta, together with the Civil Protection Department, are carrying out an ongoing search operation for a 13-year-old girl who was swept out to sea in Ċirkewwa amid strong winds.

The incident follows a week in which the Maltese Islands were hit by Storm Harry. On Sunday evening, a yellow weather warning was issued as weather conditions were expected to deteriorate.

The girl’s 14-year-old brother, who was with her at the time, was successfully rescued by the authorities. Both minors are reportedly not Maltese nationals.

Search efforts are being conducted both by air and at sea, with a helicopter deployed in the area. A number of ambulances are also present on site as authorities continue their response.

Civil Protection Malta issued the yellow weather warning on Sunday evening, advising that weather conditions were expected to worsen during the early hours of Monday, particularly between 1:00am and 4:00am. Strong winds reaching Force 7 (near gale) at times, higher gusts, rough seas, light rainfall, low temperatures, and minimal sunlight were forecast.

The public has been urged to exercise caution, avoid working from heights, and remain alert to rapidly changing weather conditions.

Authorities confirmed that the situation continues to be monitored closely, with further updates to be provided as soon as more information becomes available.

#MaltaDaily