A British diver was recovered from rough seas at Dwejra, Gozo, after jumping in to assist two German divers. All three were winched to safety by a Maltese armed forces helicopter crew.

A brave attempt to help fellow divers stranded close to rocks in savage sea conditions led to a British man endangering his own life.

The diver jumped into the sea to render assistance after repeated attempts by two German divers to scramble back onto rocks at Dwejra proved unsuccessful. People watching at the scene alerted the Maltese Civil Protection Department, but when further attempts at a shore-based rescue by the emergency services failed, the divers were forced to drift back out to sea and away from the rocks to avoid injury.

All three were winched to safety by a helicopter sent by the Armed Forces of Malta.

The incident occurred after a change in wind strength and direction caused a rapid deterioration in sea conditions.

Dwejra is on the exposed north-west coast of Gozo, and provides world-class shore diving on unusual rock formations - such as the Azure Window and Inland Sea. Entry is made by climbing across an expanse of sharp, uneven rocks in full kit, making diving impossible in rough conditions.

Relevant links
Gozo 2004 holiday guide
Diving in Malta and Gozo
Latest holiday offers, Gozo

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