Major AFM operation ends with 18 divers rescued from sea off Cirkewwa

A major rescue operation got underway on Tuesday afternoon after a group of 18 divers were reported in difficulty in the sea off Cirkewwa.

In a brief statement the AFM said all 18 divers were accounted for in a search and rescue operation that lasted almost three hours.

Unfortunately it is believed that one of the divers, who needed urgent medical attention at the scene, died later in hospital.

File photo.