Two Tourists Air Lifted After Getting Trapped At Santa Marija Cave, Ġnejna

Two tourists were rescued from Santa Marija Cave at Ġnejna on Thursday evening after becoming trapped in challenging conditions, following a coordinated operation involving the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), the Civil Protection Department (CPD), the Malta Police Force and Mater Dei Hospital.

The Rescue Coordination Centre Malta was alerted that the two tourists required assistance after becoming stranded inside the cave.

An AFM rescue vessel and CPD resources, including rescue swimmers from Fire Stations 3, 5 and 7 and two rigid inflatable boats, were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Three CPD rescue swimmers entered the water and reached the stranded tourists inside the cave. However, due to the tourists' inability to swim safely and the very rough sea conditions, a rescue by sea was considered too dangerous.

An AFM AW139 helicopter was then deployed to carry out a winching operation. Both tourists were successfully lifted from the cave by helicopter rescue swimmers and transferred to Mater Dei Hospital personnel for treatment.

The three CPD rescuers, who had entered the cave and were unable to leave safely because of the rough seas, were also winched to safety.

The operation was coordinated by personnel from Rescue Coordination Centre Malta, overseeing all air and maritime assets involved.

The AFM has urged the public to check weather forecasts and follow official guidance on safe swimming locations before visiting Malta's beaches and coastal areas.

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