A 76-yr-old man from Ireland has passed away after encountering difficulties while swimming in the sea in Malta, reports RTE.
According to a statement from Maltese police, the incident occurred while the man was swimming off the coast of St Julian’s.
Witnesses raised the alarm, and the man’s body was recovered from the water near the Cavalieri Hotel in St Julian’s Bay at approximately 12.45pm local time, reports RTE.
Emergency crews responded after the man, described by police as a tourist, was brought ashore. He was pronounced dead shortly after.
He has been identified locally as Noel Ryan, a resident of Athlone in County Westmeath, reports RTE.
Mr Ryan was a prominent businessman in the town, having run a retail operation there for close to five decades.
It is believed Mr Ryan was on vacation with family members at the time of the tragedy.
Authorities confirmed they are investigating the circumstances, and a magisterial inquiry is underway, reports RTE.
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the incident and is offering consular support.
Regina Bushell, President of the Athlone Chamber of Commerce, said the community was deeply saddened to hear of Mr Ryan’s passing.
She said: “Noel Ryan was one of Athlone’s characters who was liked and respected by the business community and people of the town who knew him well,” reports RTE.
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