Gozo commemorated the 64th anniversary of Jum it-Tragedja, one of the worst sea tragedies in Gozo, which caused the drowning of 23 persons near the shores of Gozo as they were crossing from Malta to Gozo on the 30th of October 1948.

The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono presided over the event which took place on board the MV Gaudos on the site of the shipwreck.

The ceremony included a Mass celebrated by Rev. Mgr Dr Joseph Sultana, Archpriest of Gharb, with the participation of the Gharb Parish Choir.

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

This crossing was abruptly brought to an end when the boat overturned as it was near Hondoq ir-Rummien bay, only four of the passengers survived by swimming over to the shore.

At the end of the this morning’s ceremony, as a sign of remembrance and respect, the Minister for Gozo, relatives of some of the victims, as well as distinguished guests, cast flowers into the sea at the spot where the tragedy occurred.

As in every other year, the Office of Culture within the Ministry for Gozo distributed a commemorative post card, recalling various marine tragedies occurring around the coast of the island. This year’s post-card marks the sinking of the British ship, HMS Sultan which occurred in 1889.

The remembrance of this event, is commemorated every year with a programme which is coordinated by the National and Regional Celebrations Committee within the Ministry for Gozo.

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