A 26-year-old jet skier was crushed to death by Malta’s famous “Kissing Elephants,” which collapsed after a U.S. tourist jumped from the iconic landmark.
At about 7 p.m. on June 27, a 26-year-old man, reportedly Chinese, was riding a jet ski beneath the limestone arch known as the “Kissing Elephants,” a popular attraction off the island of Comino that was accessible only by sea.
Named for its resemblance to two elephants touching trunks, the natural rock formation had become one of Malta’s best-known landmarks, drawing tourists eager to photograph the dramatic coastal phenomenon or dive from its rocky ledge into the sea.
Located above the deep blue waters, the site sat near the popular Blue Lagoon, which draws thousands of tourists each year.
‘Trapped underwater’
That evening, seconds after a 32-year-old American tourist leaped from the rock formation, the arch gave way, burying the jet ski beneath falling limestone and killing its rider, who has not been identified.
Authorities later discovered the victim pinned beneath the collapsed rocks on the seabed.
In a statement released June 28, a spokesperson for the Armed Forces of Malta said rescuers launched an extensive search and “later confirmed that a person had been found trapped underwater and showing no signs of life.”
A 27-year-old Chinese woman, who was a passenger on the jet ski, was taken to Gozo General Hospital and is expected to recover, while the American diver was rescued by a passing boat and did not require hospital treatment.
‘Nature is powerful’
The fatal collapse also prompted an emotional response from Outdoor Explorers Malta Boat Trips, whose guests were reportedly involved in the incident.
“It is with deep sadness that we must report that one person has lost their life in this incident. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the victim. This is an immeasurable tragedy,” Outdoor Explorers Malta Boat Trips shared in a Facebook post of the jet skiers, who were reportedly part of a tour group.
“The famous Kissing-Elephant Arch at Comino has collapsed. One of Malta’s most iconic natural landmarks has changed forever. Nature is powerful, and today we witnessed another reminder that these beautiful rock formations are constantly evolving.”
A Maltese magistrate has since opened an inquiry as investigators work to determine exactly what caused the arch to give way and whether any safety measures were lacking at the site.
Crack appeared weeks before collapse
As investigators piece together what happened, one witness says there may have been warning signs long before the tragedy.
Kayaker Michelle Attard Tonna told the Times of Malta she noticed a visible crack in the famous arch roughly two weeks before it collapsed.
According to Tonna, the damage made the formation appear vulnerable, yet she said there were no warning signs or barriers advising visitors to stay away from the rock.
Without signage to discourage tourists from approaching the formation, the site continued drawing visitors, many of whom arrived by boat or jet ski before climbing onto the arch and diving into the water.
Authorities have not announced whether access to the area will be restricted while the inquiry continues.
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