Malta Mourns Diver Lost in Italian Rescue
Malta’s Dive Community Mourns as Rescue Diver Dies in Search for Missing Italians
The Mediterranean, usually a source of joy and recreation for Maltese, turned into a scene of tragedy this week as a local rescue diver lost his life in the search for two missing Italians. The body of 35-year-old Maltese diver, Matthew Portelli, was recovered on Tuesday, three days after the search began off the coast of Gozo.
The Incident
On Saturday, a 30-foot yacht carrying two Italians, a 60-year-old man and his 30-year-old son, capsized near the Blue Hole in Dwejra, Gozo. The pair, experienced sailors, were attempting to navigate the treacherous waters when a sudden squall overturned their boat. They were thrown into the sea, and despite wearing life jackets, neither could be found after an initial search.
The Search and Rescue Effort
Portelli, an experienced rescue diver and member of the Malta Underwater Federation, was among the first responders. Alongside other volunteers and professional rescuers, he braved the rough seas to search for the missing Italians. Despite the challenging conditions, the search continued relentlessly, with divers reaching depths of up to 40 meters.
Tragically, on Tuesday, it was Portelli’s body that was found, some 300 meters from where the yacht capsized. His family, friends, and the entire Maltese dive community are devastated by the loss. “Matt was a hero,” said a close friend, “He always put others before himself.”
The Aftermath
The search for the missing Italians continues, with the Maltese Armed Forces and the Civil Protection Department leading the operation. The Italian Embassy in Malta has expressed its gratitude to the Maltese authorities and the dive community for their efforts.
Portelli’s death has through Malta’s tight-knit dive community. “We’ve lost one of our own,” said a spokesperson for the Malta Underwater Federation. “Matt was not just a diver; he was a friend, a brother, a son. He will be deeply missed.”
Flags flew at half-mast on Wednesday as Malta mourned the loss of one of its bravest. A memorial service is planned for this weekend at the Dwejra Tower, where Portelli often dove.
