On Sunday, the 73rd anniversary was commemorated of one of the worst sea tragedies in Gozo, when on the 30th of October 1948, 23 persons drowned near the shores of Gozo as they were crossing from Malta.
Jum it-Tragedja was remembered by the laying of wreathes at the memorial to the tragedy situated in Zewwieqa, Mgarr.
A Mass was also held at the Church of Saint Anthony of Padova, in Ghajnsielem, which was led by the Bishop of Gozo Mgr Anton Teuma.
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 when it was near to Hondoq ir-Rummien bay, only 4 of the 27 passengers survived by swimming to shore.