Tourist killed after Malta’s iconic "Kissing Elephants" rock arch collapses

A tourist has been crushed to death by Malta’s world-famous ’Kissing Elephants’ arch rock formation, which collapsed after an American holidaymaker jumped off it and into the sea. 

The body of the 26-year-old Chinese man, who has not yet been named, was pinned to the seabed after large rocks collapsed on to his jet ski as he rode underneath it on Saturday evening. 

The archway, located on the island of Comino, collapsed at around 7pm, shortly after a 32-year-old American tourist jumped off it, according to the Times of Malta. 

A 27-year-old Chinese woman, who was also on the jet ski, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Gozo General Hospital where doctors reported her injuries were not life-threatening. 

The American tourist, who was rescued by a passing boat, received medical treatment at Mgarr Harbour but did not need to go to hospital. 

On Sunday evening, the Civil Protection Department sent in heavy equipment to remove the fallen rock so that army divers could recover the body.

A Maltese magistrate has opened an inquiry into the incident as investigators continue to look into the tragedy. 

Michelle Attard Tonna, a kayaker who spoke to the Times of Malta, said she saw a crack appear in the arch two weeks ago. 

She said that despite the arch clearly being vulnerable to collapse, there were no warning signs for people not to approach the rock. 

The Kissing Elephants formation is on Comino, a small island northwest of Malta’s mainland. It sits near Saint Mary’s Battery, an artillery fort build in the early 18th century. 

The area is popular with tourists and in a video taken before the incident, another jet ski rider can be seen gliding underneath the landform.

Commenting on the collapse, local tour group Outdoor Explorers Malta posted on Facebook: ’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.’

The island is also home to the famous Blue Lagoon, a breathtakingly beautiful cove, where thousands visit to swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters every year. 

The Daily Mail has contacted Maltese police for comment.