3 comments so far.Ceremony commemorates 60th anniversary of Gozo sea tragedy
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A commemorative ceremony has been held to mark the 60th anniversary of one of the worst sea tragedies, 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 victims were honored during this ceremony which was held near the memorial in the limits of Zewwieqa in Mgarr, Gozo.
The drowning, which was the worst post war sea tragedy in Gozo, 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, and only four of the passengers survived by swimming over to the shore. One of the survivors was Paul Zammit, who was one of those who attended the commemorative ceremony.
The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, presided over this event which started with the laying of wreaths at the foot of the memorial and was followed by Holy Mass celebrated on board one of the Gozo Channel vessels, by Rev. Mgr. Paul Cardona, Archpriest of St. George’s Parish.
Amongst those who attended for this ceremony were Mr. Anton Tabone, ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information, Chris Said, the Chairman of the Cultural Committe within the Ministry for Gozo as well as some of the victims’ relatives. Distinguished guests threw flowers in the sea as a sign of respect.
This commemorative event is organised annually by the Cultural Section within the Ministry for Gozo.
Walter Sultana . I remember this Tragedie Day , very well ,I was 15 Years old, when The Police came to our House 69 Marsalforn Street Xaghra to let my Father know that his Brother Emanual drawned . Just before the Police came to let my Family know about this Tragedie A Plane fell down near Xewkija I think, I am not sure where the place was to day . But I saw the Plane smoking Black Smoke over our House, All I remember is My Mother gathered us around to say the Roseries ,for this Pilot that lost his Life .As soon we finished the Roseres the Police Came with the bad News .What Happened, My Mother started Crying and running did not know what to do with the Excitment .. Paul Zammit was talking to my Uncle LELI while they were swimming to Shore, all of a sudden my Uncle did not answer Paul any more ,and Paul kept on swiming to Shore .He was very Lucky that no one held on him like they did with my Uncle LELI . My Father also was Lucky that he took the Boat before them and they made ok to Imgarr Gozo . My Father was going to wait for his Brother to come to Gozo with him, But Luckely he did not wait . I remember My Mother was expecting a Baby in short time . When my youngest Brother was born , Also Prince Charlies was born on the Same Day my brother was born .I remember Dad and Mother Named him EMENAUAL like my Uncle . I never forget that day ,even now I am 75 Years old it seems to me it was Yesterday .. My Mother always told us IL BAHAR Ghandu ZAQQU RATBA ,U RASU IBSA .. May Leli Sultana, and the others that Drawned with him Rest in Peace …. Walter Sultana . TA SAN GORG .From Canada .
My name is Rita Cachia , I have met Cikku Gauchi one of the survivors aged 90 years old living in Melbourne just this week.
RITA can u email me please
Regards
Frank Grima