Carol Calleja, a pioneering restaurateur and entrepreneur known for his chain of eateries dating back to 1970 as well as for surviving the Esmerelda yacht tragedy, has died aged 80.

Also known for the Sliema Multi-Storey carpark, which bears his initials, until recently Mr Calleja was still involved in eateries his company ran at the Mellieha Holiday Centre.

Amongst a breadth of eateries across Malta he acquired the Winston, The Medina, and Malta’s first premium Chinese restaurant, Dynasty.

Additionally, he has been prominently involved in the so-called Danish Village, leasing the property’s bars and restaurants soon after it opened in 1979.

The tragic sinking of his yacht, the Esmerelda, in 1990 left two drowned. Mr Calleja was one of two survivors, along with businessman Manuel Grech.

He passed away on Tuesday at Mater Dei Hospital, surrounded by his family.