A picture has been released that of Lyace Ali, the Solihull dentist, who drowned along with his practice partner on a bank holiday trip to Malta. Lyace Ali and Mohammad Kamran Shabir, both aged 35, worked with each other at Bhandal Dental practice in Sheldon. A third man, Hussein Ahmed, also got into trouble in the water but survived. The three men were partners.
The Birmingham Mail reported that Maltese police say the men got into difficulties while swimming at the Blue Lagoon, in Comino. The crystal clear Blue Lagoon is popular with holidaymakers but locals have warned that dangerous undercurrents can make it unsafe for swimmers. Volunteer lifeguards patrol usually do not start until June.
One of them was airlifted to hospital while the other was taken by boat but they were both later declared dead.
Mr Ali lived with his wife Ruhila and three young children at their home in Rothwell Drive.
His family were too upset to talk about the tragedy.
Mr Shabir was believed to be married and lived in Acocks Green.
A spokesman for Malta’s police force reportedly said: “Members from the Armed Forces of Malta went to assist the two persons.
“One person was taken by a private boat to Imgarr whilst the other person was airlifted to the Gozo General Hospital by a helicopter.
“Unfortunately they were both certified dead.”
A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office reportedly added: “We can confirm the death of two British nationals in Malta.”
