A Chinese tourist has tragically died after a stone archway collapsed as he rode a jet ski beneath it in Malta.
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The 26-year-old man was killed in the incident, which unfolded on Saturday, June 27.
Reports state that an American tourist was preparing to jump from the stone arch when it suddenly gave way.
A 27-year-old Chinese woman, who was riding on the same jet ski, suffered serious injuries.
Tourist Dies After Stone Archway Collapse
The arch, located off the southeast coast of the island of Comino, collapsed at around 7:15 p.m. local time.
Multiple reports claim the structure gave way under the weight of a 32-year-old American man.
At the time of the collapse, the two Chinese tourists were riding a jet ski beneath the popular landmark and were thrown into the sea.
According to the Armed Forces of Malta, the Rescue Coordination Centre received reports of the rockfall shortly afterward.
Authorities said emergency assistance was immediately dispatched to those involved.
Search Divers Recover Tourist's Body
When emergency crews arrived, they transported the injured Chinese woman to a hospital in Malta for treatment.
The American tourist reportedly sustained minor injuries and was taken to shore by private boat before receiving medical care.
The 26-year-old Chinese man became trapped beneath the fallen rocks underwater and was later found unresponsive.
"A search was initiated to locate the third person. Divers from Gozo Command and the 3rd Regiment were deployed to assist in the search," a statement read.
"Divers subsequently confirmed that a person was found trapped underwater and showed no signs of life."
"The operation is still ongoing and a magisterial inquiry is underway."
Due to the location where the victim was found, recovering his body from the sea has proven to be a complex operation.
Further updates are expected as the recovery effort continues.
Comino is the smallest inhabited island in the Maltese archipelago, although only one family permanently lives there.
The island is a popular destination for tourists, particularly for diving and visits to the Blue Lagoon's white-sand beaches.
