British Man Dies in Parasailing Accident Off Malta
A 59-year-old man was killed and a 60-year-old woman seriously injured when strong winds caused them to be swept away during a parasailing excursion near St. Julian's.
A British man has died in a parasailing accident off the coast of Malta after being swept away by strong winds. The 59-year-old was parasailing with a 60-year-old British woman on September 19 when the incident occurred approximately a mile and a half off the coast of St. Julian's.
At around 1 p.m., the pair were seen falling into the sea. Police and emergency services responded, and both individuals were brought back to shore where they received medical attention. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman sustained serious injuries and was transported to Mater Dei Hospital.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the accident, with Magistrate Renata Farrugia overseeing the inquiry. Police are continuing their investigations into the matter.
Parasailing involves individuals being towed behind a boat while attached to a parachute-like canopy. The Parasail Safety Council reports that while millions participate in the sport annually, over 1,200 accidents have been recorded globally in the past three decades.
This incident follows a similar tragedy in August, where a British tourist died during a parasailing accident in Benidorm. In that case, strong winds reportedly caused a breakage in the line tethering the parasail to the boat, leading to the woman impacting rocks. She was pronounced dead after attempts to revive her were unsuccessful. Her husband, also on the parasail, survived the incident with injuries.