How to avoid and escape a submerged vechile.

Introduction

Malta’s coastal scenery is a major attraction for visitors, but driving near the water requires caution. Occasionally, vehicles unintentionally end up in the sea due to factors like unfamiliarity with slipways, stormy weather, or mechanical failures. This guide helps you understand how to avoid submersion incidents, what to do if they occur, and provides important advice for both electric and rental vehicles.

How to Avoid Submersion Incidents

Avoid parking close to cliffs: There are many science cliffs in Malta, check before hand where you can park from a safe distance.
Avoid Parking Near Slipways: Slipways in Malta are specifically designed for launching boats. Some drivers unfamiliar with these areas have accidentally driven into the sea via these ramps, especially when reversing or failing to engage the handbrake. Stick to marked parking spaces away from slipways to prevent these mishaps.
Extra caution in Cirkewwa and Mgarr : While you are going on and off the ferry boat.
Be Informed About Weather Conditions: Check the weather forecast before driving along coastal areas. During stormy weather, avoid parking near the shoreline as strong waves can sweep vehicles into the water, as seen in exposed areas like Cirkewwa and Xemxija.
Use Extra Caution at Night: Nighttime driving can make it harder to identify coastal edges, slipways, and other hazards. Drive slowly, stay vigilant, and avoid following GPS too closely, as it may inadvertently lead you toward unmarked ramps or slipways.
Consider a Seatbelt Cutter and Glass-Breaking Tool (optional): While not required, these tools are compact and can help in emergencies, especially if seatbelts jam or doors won’t open.
Note on Securing Vehicles: In the past, it was not uncommon in Malta to place stones under car tires to prevent vehicles from rolling down hills. Today, this practice is rare, as it can be dangerous and less effective with modern vehicles. Always use the handbrake securely instead.

What to Do If Your Vehicle Submerges

If your vehicle does end up in the water, staying calm and acting quickly is essential. Remember SWOC for a swift escape:

S – Seatbelts Off: Unbuckle immediately.
W – Windows Open: Open windows right away, as water pressure makes it difficult once submerged. If the window jams, use a glass-breaking tool.
O – Out Immediately: Exit through the window without delay.
C – Children First: If traveling with children, help the oldest first to make evacuation easier.

Additional Tips:

Report the Incident Immediately: Even if there are no visible issues, report the incident to authorities to check for oil or fuel leaks, which could impact the sea. This step is essential for protecting Malta’s marine environment.
Airbags: If airbags deploy, push them aside quickly to unbuckle and follow the SWOC steps.
Follow Light or Bubbles: In murky water, look for light or follow bubbles to reach the surface.

Notes on Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicles

If you’re driving an EV or ICE vehicle, specific steps after submersion are crucial for safety and environmental protection:

Do Not Attempt to Restart (for EVs and ICE vehicles)

If your vehicle has been submerged, do not attempt to restart it. Water can damage sensitive electronics, which may cause further damage. Have the vehicle professionally inspected before attempting any restart or movement.

Handling a Submerged EV

Do Not Attempt to Restart (for EVs and ICE vehicles): If your vehicle has been submerged, do not attempt to restart it. Water can damage sensitive electronics, which may cause further damage. Have the vehicle professionally inspected before attempting any restart or movement.
Handling a Submerged EV:

Move Away if Needed: In EVs, if you see smoke or hear unusual sounds, move away from the vehicle and contact emergency services.
Preparation for Flood Risk: If flooding is anticipated, charge the vehicle to full in advance, lower the charge if possible, and raise any air suspension if available.

Insurance Coverage on Rental Cars

For tourists renting vehicles, it’s advisable to verify insurance coverage, particularly for incidents related to water. Comprehensive rental policies often cover a variety of incidents, but clauses related to water damage can vary. Ensure:

Coverage Includes Water Damage: Confirm that coastal and water damage are covered in your policy.
Emergency Assistance: Many rental companies offer 24/7 assistance, which can be crucial if you find yourself needing immediate help.

History of cars falling into the sea incidents in Malta

This list is not meant to alarm you but meant to make you cautious! Throughout these years millions of car trips along the coast have been done and very very few resulted in incidents. Stay cautious and be smart, stick to well marked roads.

Grand Harbour, March 2001: During the Freedom Day Regatta, a tragic accident occurred when a car with a young mother and her 18-month-old son rolled into the sea at Xatt ir-Risq in Grand Harbour. Despite rescue attempts by nearby swimmers and police officers, the mother and child were trapped and unable to escape. Sadly, the child was pronounced dead that day, and the mother passed away two days later in the hospital.
Mġarr Harbour, Gozo, October 2006: A British diver rescued an elderly man, 83, and his daughter, 47, after their car plunged into the sea at Quay Two around 5:45 a.m. With the help of a colleague who smashed a rear window with an iron rod, the diver managed to pull the daughter to safety. The man surfaced shortly after, unconscious. Both were hospitalized, with the father’s condition later becoming life-threatening.
Valletta, December 2011: Two women were injured, and a man escaped unhurt after their car plunged into the sea at Jews Sally Port in Marsamxett around 1 a.m. The occupants managed to escape and climb onto the rocks before police arrived. All three were taken to the hospital, with the women receiving treatment for their injuries.
Valletta, December 2011: Three individuals—a woman from Gżira, a woman from Ta’ Xbiex, and a man from Floriana—narrowly escaped after their car plunged into the sea near Jews Sally Port (Il-Fossa) in Valletta around 1 a.m. The occupants managed to exit the vehicle and climb onto nearby rocks before authorities arrived. All three were taken to the hospital for treatment. While the women required ongoing care, their injuries were not life-threatening. Investigations into the incident continued afterward.
Ta’ Xbiex Yacht Marina, May 2013: A woman from Birkirkara drove her car off the Ta’ Xbiex yacht marina and into the sea on May 4, 2013. She was trapped in the sinking vehicle for approximately 30 minutes. After her partner, who had just been dropped off nearby, heard the incident, he dove in to try to save her. Two policemen also joined the rescue, borrowing dive masks from neighboring boats. A diver arrived on a small boat and managed to free her from the car. Although she was initially in critical condition, she was later moved out of intensive care, though her condition remained serious.
Cirkewwa, June 2016: A mother, her baby, and a friend narrowly avoided disaster when the Gozo Channel ferry ramp dislodged, causing her car to slide toward the sea. Quick action from ferry workers prevented the vehicle from plunging into the water, while other cars on the ramp also experienced jolts but avoided injuries.
Marsascala, October 2017: A car rolled into the sea due to a disengaged handbrake. The incident happened at night, and while no one was injured, it highlighted the importance of parking securely, especially on coastal slopes.
Cirkewwa, November 2020: Two cars parked at South Quay were swept into the sea by strong waves during a storm. Authorities warned drivers to avoid parking in exposed areas during rough weather.
Spinola Bay, November 2021: A driver followed GPS directions onto a slipway, unintentionally ending up in the sea. Fortunately, they escaped unharmed, underscoring the need for caution when following GPS near coastal ramps at night.
Cirkewwa, January 2021: A car, with the driver inside, ended up in the sea due to brake failure. The driver swam to safety, emphasizing the importance of regular brake maintenance in coastal areas.
Cirkewwa, January 2021: A diver discovered four submerged cars at the Cirkewwa quay, prompting calls for better safety barriers and lighting to prevent future incidents in this recurring location.
Msida Marina, Winter 2020: Stormy seas pushed a parked vehicle into the water at the marina. This incident demonstrated the risks of parking too close to marina edges during extreme weather.
Buġibba, April 2023: A car suffered a mechanical fault, causing it to roll into the sea near a rocky beach. No injuries occurred, but the incident emphasizes the importance of parking away from the water when there are potential mechanical issues.
Mġarr Ferry Terminal, May 2023: A man’s car fell into the sea at the Mġarr terminal in Gozo. The Armed Forces and Civil Protection Department rescued him, though he was taken to the hospital for shock. The incident led to an underwater search for objects that might pose navigation hazards.
Xemxija Bay, 2023: Natural Seiche waves unexpectedly pulled parked vehicles into the water. This rare event underscores the importance of parking well back from the shoreline in stormy conditions.
Ahrax Cliffs, Mellieha, July 2024: Tragically, a man died after his car fell off the Ahrax cliffs and landed on rocks near the sea. The incident occurred around 8 am, with a rescue operation involving the police, medical team, and Civil Protection Department. Although rescuers attempted to reach him quickly, the man was pronounced dead by the time they accessed the vehicle.

Conclusion

Malta’s scenic coastlines make it a stunning destination, but driving near the water requires caution. Staying aware of local conditions and taking simple precautions can go a long way toward ensuring a safe experience. For an overview of general safety tips on the island, you can check out this guide on Malta’s safety.

By following safe driving practices, avoiding slipways, cliffs, etc checking your insurance coverage, and considering an escape tool, you can enjoy Malta with peace of mind. Stay vigilant, especially at night or in rough weather, and remember: mental preparation enhances every adventure on this beautiful island.