Today marks the 61st anniversary of one of the worst sea tragedies, that occurred near Gozo, when 23 people tragically lost their lives during a voyage between Malta and Gozo on the 30th of October 1948.

The ceremony took place near the monument to mark this event at Zewwieqa at Mgarr, Gozo.

This accident, which is the biggest tragedy since the Second World War, occurred when a ship loaded with passengers, including two police and a woman, along with two members of the crew, had left Marfa for Gozo despite the severe storms and rough seas. The journey, ended abruptly near the bay of Hondoq ir-Rummien after the luzzu was rolled over by strong waves, only four passengers survived.

The ceremony, chaired by Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, started by the placing of wreaths at the monument and continued with a mass celebrated by Ghajnsielem Archpriest, Frankie Bajada, on board a Gozo Channel ferry.

Included at the ceremony were the families of some of the victims, who all placed flowers onto the sea at the spot where the tragedy occurred, as a sign of respect.

Permalink: Commemoration of one of Gozo’s worst sea tragedies