A solemn ceremony has been held by the Armed Forces of Malta’s Maritime Squadron, in memory of the seven Armed Forces of Malta and Malta Police Force personnel who tragically lost their lives aboard P23 (then C23) on the 7th of September 1984.
This marks the 42nd anniversary of the seven soldiers and two members of the Police who were killed in a explosion on the patrol boat which was two miles off the Ponta tal-Qala, Gozo.
The commemoration took place at the Maritime Squadron’s Hay Wharf Base in Floriana, beginning with Holy Mass concelebrated by the AFM and MPF Chaplains followed by a wreath-laying ceremony and a moment of reflection at the P23 monument.
The Armed Forces of Malta said, “we honour the courage, service, and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the line of duty, and we remain steadfast in keeping their memory alive.”
Patrol boat C-23 was on a dumping detail of illegally manufactured fireworks. It was supposed to be a routine operation which followed the Police’s find and seizure of the fireworks in the limits of Zabbar a day earlier.
Bombardier Joseph Pace, 36, of Santa Venera; Gunner William Simpson, 36, of Lija; Private Anthony Vella, 20, of Ghajnsielem, Gozo; Police Sergeant Saviour Muscat, 30, of Birkirkara; and Police Constable Joseph Hare, 24, of Sliema, all lost their lives on that day.
The remains of 36-year old Bombardier Francis Borg of Hamrun and 27-year old Private Anthony Farrugia of Zejtun, were never found.
Private Emmanuel Montesin, 21, of Paola, survived the blast and managed to steer the patrol boat to Comino, where the alarm was raised.
The fireworks had been seized the previous day in the limits of Zabbar and were being carried on the deck of the patrol boat when the sudden explosion occurred.
The cause was never conclusively established, although it is thought to have been a spark caused when a hatch was closed.
The following day, September the 8th, was declared a Day of National Mourning. The flag-draped coffins were carried together in a large military funeral attended by thousands of people and led by a Guard of Honour of what was then the Task Force.
The flag-draped coffins were brought to Malta on patrol boats ‘C-28’ and ‘C-29,’ and a funeral cortege left St Luke’s Hospital.
Thousands of people gathered to pay their last respects along the route as a Task Force AFM 48-men guard of honour, led by Captain Charles Mansueto, escorted their fallen comrades.
Photos: Armed Forces of Malta