Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546341
A balloon found floating at sea during a routine inspection of Malta's Marine Protected Areas has prompted the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) to remind the public against re- leasing balloons and plastic con- fetti outdoors. ERA said the bal- loon had ended up in the sea after floating away from a celebration. It warned that litter left in the environment can easily reach the sea, posing risks to marine ecosys- tems and wildlife. The authority stressed that the open-air release of any type of balloon or plastic confetti is pro- hibited. 7 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 28 AUGUST 2026 NEWS Worker suffers serious injuries after fall in Xaghra A 28-year-old Albanian man who lives in Victoria, Gozo, suf- fered serious injuries after falling around one-and-a-half storeys while working in Xagħra on Wednesday morning. Police said they were called to Triq it-Tiġrija at around 10:30am and immediately went to the scene. A medical team was called in and the man was taken by ambulance to Gozo General Hospital, where he was certi- fied as having suffered serious injuries. He was later transferred to Mater Dei Hospital by helicop- ter for further medical treat- ment. Magistrate Monica Vella was informed of the case and opened an inquiry. Police investigations are on- going in collaboration with the Occupational Health and Safe- ty Authority and the Building and Construction Authority. ERA warns balloons from celebrations can pollute Gozo and Malta's seas Gozo General Hospital (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday) A ballon was found during a routine inspection of Malta's marine Protected areas (Photo: ERA)