VALLETTA, MALTA – A rescue operation was successfully carried out by the Civil Protection Department (CPD) on Thursday evening after a person fell into the sea and became trapped by turbulent conditions beneath Fort St Elmo.
The incident occurred in a notoriously difficult stretch of water along the Valletta coastline. The individual found themselves unable to return to shore due to the deteriorating sea state, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Rapid Response by Civil Protection
Rescue teams from Fire Stations 2 and 5 were dispatched to the scene. Given the rocky terrain and the force of the waves, a land-based rescue was deemed too high-risk. Instead, the CPD utilized one of their Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) to reach the person.
The operation was described as challenging; the sea was exceptionally rough, making it difficult to stabilize the craft long enough to bring the individual on board safely. Despite the environmental hurdles, the rescue crew managed to secure the person and pull them from the water.
Medical Evaluation
Following the rescue, the individual was transported by sea to the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) maritime base at Haywharf. From there, they were handed over to a medical team and transferred to Mater Dei Hospital for further observation and treatment.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly coastal conditions can change, especially in areas with high exposed fortifications like Valletta.
