The Armed Forces of Malta have released dramatic footage showing yesterday’s helicopter rescue of two tourists who became trapped inside Santa Marija Cave in Ġnejna. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)The operation was launched after Rescue Coordination Centre Malta received reports that the pair required assistance after becoming stranded inside the cave.An AFM rescue vessel and Civil Protection Department crews were immediately dispatched. However, with rough sea conditions making a rescue by boat too dangerous and the tourists unable to swim safely, an AFM AW139 helicopter was deployed instead.The footage captures the challenging winching operation as rescue swimmers lifted both tourists to safety before transferring them to Mater Dei Hospital personnel for treatment.The AFM also revealed that three Civil Protection Department rescuers, who had entered the cave to assist the stranded tourists, were themselves unable to safely leave because of the rough seas. They too were winched to safety by the helicopter.The rescue effort was coordinated by Rescue Coordination Centre Malta, with the AFM reminding both locals and tourists to check weather forecasts and follow official guidance on safe swimming locations before heading to Malta’s beaches.•