The 75th anniversary of a tragic event in Gozo’s recent history, has been marked by the Gozo Regional Development Authority in collaboration with Msgr. Dr Joseph Bezzina, with the launch of a book – 1948 Tragedy in the Gozo Channel – The Untold Account.

The book will be available to purchase from leading bookstores after the 20th of November.

There is also an exhibition which includes the book, being held at the National Archives of Gozo and will remain open until the 30th of November.

This tragedy happened on the 30th of October 1948, when 23 persons drowned near the shores of Gozo as they were crossing from Malta.

This was the greatest tragedy in Gozo after World War II, and occurred when notwithstanding severe weather conditions, a luzzu tried to make the crossing from Marfa to Gozo, carrying several passengers, among whom were two policemen, a woman and two members of the crew.

This crossing came to an abrupt end when the boat overturned close to Hondoq ir-Rummien bay, only four of the passengers survived by swimming to shore.

Photos: GRDA

Permalink: New book and exhibition commemorates 75th anniversary of tragic event in Gozo’s history