A Welsh father of three has drowned in the sea in Malta three years after moving there to start a new life with his fiancee.

Stephen Martin Thomas, 62, fell into the sea in the Maltese tourist resort of Qawra at around 1pm on 12th June, and his heartbroken fiancee revealed that his death has left her devastated.

According to the Times of Malta, the police believed the Welshman fell from the rocks and drowned in the sea despite knowing the area well and being considered a good swimmer.

Thomas, a father of three, was dragged out of the sea near the National Aquarium and pronounced dead at the scene.

It is believed that he lost his balance, fell from the rocks, and drowned, although the investigation to clarify the facts is still ongoing.

His fiancee CJ Tinay Agos, 30, said she was called to Qawra police station later that afternoon.

She said: “When I got there, they told me the most heartbreaking news that he was gone and they found him in the sea face down.”

Officers showed the young woman a photo of Thomas to confirm his identity.

She said: “My heart shattered when I saw his face.”

Thomas, called Steve by friends and dubbed a ‘proud Welshman’, travelled to Malta every year for 12 years before meeting his partner and making the move permanent three years ago.

They then got engaged in 2020 and planned to tie the knot later this year.

Agos said he knew the area well and was a good swimmer, adding: “I still can’t believe this has happened. He was such a good swimmer… he even taught me how to swim. He was so fit for his age.

“He was such a funny man, always making me laugh. He was also the most loving, caring, and friendliest person, always trying his best to help everyone who needed it.”

She added: “He will be missed by his friends and family, and most especially by me.”