A 76-year-old Irish man has died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the sea in Malta.
In a statement, Maltese police said that the man died while swimming off the seaside town of St Julian's.
After witnesses called for help, the man's body was recovered from the water near the Cavalieri Hotel in St Julian's Bay at around 12.45pm local time.
Emergency services assisted when the man, who police described as a tourist, was brought to shore. He was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
He has been named locally as Noel Ryan from Athlone in Co Westmeath.
Mr Ryan was a well known businessman and operated a retail business in the town for almost 50 years
It is understood Mr Ryan, was on holiday with his family when the incident happened.
Police said they were investigating the incident and that a magisterial inquiry had been opened.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.
President of Athlone Chamber of Commerce Regina Bushell said the people of Athlone were saddened to learn of Mr Ryan's death.
She said: "Noel Ryan was one of Athlone’s characters who was liked and respected by the business community and people of the town who knew him well."
