An elderly man has tragically lost his life after being found face down in the sea near Comino earlier today.

Police were alerted at around 12:45pm that a person had been spotted floating unresponsive in the water in the area.

Members of the Armed Forces of Malta were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they located the man and brought him to shore at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. Sadly, he was pronounced dead on site.

Investigations have since confirmed that the victim is a 71-year-old man from Xewkija, Gozo, who had reportedly been fishing earlier in the day.

Duty Magistrate Brigitte Sultana has launched an inquiry into the incident, while police investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the case.

Rest In Peace