Claudia Calleja
Fishermen lease plane to look for missing boy
The Armed Forces of Malta and fishermen yesterday conducted separate aerial searches for 11-year-old Theo Bugeja who is still unaccounted for since his father's fishing vessel sank two weeks ago.
A spokesman for the AFM said the search for the boy continued using an Italian Military Mission helicopter. A representative of the National Fisheries Cooperative explained that fishermen contracted a plane - a Piper, belonging to Azzopardi Fisheries - to look for the boy. The searches yielded no results.
Both were not in a position to ascertain whether searches will continue today because this depended on a variety of factors such as the weather. A decision would be taken this morning, they said.
The AFM spokesman was not in a position to say with certainty how long yesterday's helicopter search lasted.
He explained that the duration of a flight alone was not a telling factor as one had to take into account various variables such as the search area, among other things.
Ray Bugeja, from the cooperative, said the rented plane had set off in the morning and flew from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Thursday, the plane searched from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Simshar tragedy resulted in the death of three fishermen: Noel Carabott, 33, Carmelo Bugeja, 61, and Somali national Abdulrahman Abdala Gedi, 21. Post-mortem examinations on their bodies, found at sea, confirmed that all three died by drowning. Mr Gedi also suffered burns.
The boat owner, Simon Bugeja, was the only survivor. Mr Bugeja told his rescuers Theo had died.
The fishing trip, for swordfish, started on July 7 and the boat was expected back by July 11. Concerned relatives reported the vessel overdue the following day when the searches started.
A magisterial inquiry, led by Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna, has been launched. The funerals of the three men cannot be held until their bodies are released by the magistrate.
On Thursday, Transport Minister Austin Gatt appointed lawyer Anne Fenech to carry out a preliminary investigation into the case and make her recommendations in terms of the Merchant Shipping Act. The Ministry of Resources and Rural Affairs together with the National Fisheries Cooperative and Għaqda Koperattiva tas-Sajd have set up a fund to assist the families of the victims of the Simshar tragedy.
This assistance is over and above the help the government is giving to the families, the Department of Information said yesterday.
Anyone who would like to donate money towards this fund can do so through Bank of Valletta account 40017401487 and HSBC account 089020028050.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
Updated: Shot migrant in critical...
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Yana Mintoff: Family speaking to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Yana Mintoff: Family speaking to...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
CABS drone shot down
Updated: Labour would give...
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
Second group of migrants arrives
10 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
valerie scicluna
Jul 29th 2008, 10:35
@ Michaela Gatt carabott
I wish to reciprocate your good wishes
MICHAELA GATT CARABOTT @ valerie scicluna
Jul 29th 2008, 01:55
Yes,I know that unfortunately the search was called off,I read it last night.Its a shame that Theo's precious life had to be so short and ended the way it did but I suppose that's the price that any fisherman can pay for his passion for the sea although Theo wasn't a fisherman yet.It's always going to be such a heartache for his parents,family and friends that he was never found,but I'm sure that no one will ever loose hope.Hope is a great thing to have even if sometimes its not realistic.
Yes valerie,we will keep praying for the families that suffered this tragic loss and also the xlukkajri that are still shocked with this loss.I wish you valerie and your family all the best of health,and God's blessings.It was nice and interesting debating with you.
Michaela Gatt Carabott,
valerie scicluna
Jul 28th 2008, 22:07
@ Michaela Gatt Carabott. The AFM have just reported they they are suspending the search for young Theo. unfortunately all the efforts were unsuccessful. So after all what I did in my comments was guess the outcome a little time before the searchers. What's the difference of a few hours in admitting that the search was useless? Anyway now that the search is over for us, not for the family, as they will keep on hoping for the rest of their lives as you say we wish Simon a quick recovery and may he and Sharon find the strength to face this tragedy together
J BORG
Jul 28th 2008, 15:14
Such a tragic loss.
To think that when this news hit the headlines we were more engrossed in troubles caused by the transport strike.
Sort of puts life into perspective. Are we looking at the right things in life? What makes news newsworthy nowadays?
MICHAELA GATT CARABOTT @valerie scicluna
Jul 28th 2008, 03:04
I read your comment over and over and I still think that you were out of line big time.I'm sure Theo's parents know of what's likely to happen but they don't need to be reminded.I know exactly what sea water can do to you.I was born and brought up in Marsaxlokk,having your family risk their lives to make a living is not a joke,waiting for your relatives in freezing cold weather on the shore for their luzzu to appear is unforgettable.These people need us to stay positive,and we can give them that.And I'm happy to hear you are a mother as well,there is no bigger gift than that.
So please lets continue to pray for these families,and wish Simon a speedy recovery.
MICHAELA GATT CARABOTT,MELB,AUSTRALIA.
valerie scicluna
Jul 27th 2008, 16:08
@ michaela gatt carabott. If you had read my comment in its entirety which you obviously have not, I ended by hoping that young Theo's body is found so that his parents and relatives can give him a decent burial and close this tragic chapter because as I said before I feel that being unable to accertain his demise is worse than knowing he's dead.. the gist of my letter went that it is very unlikely that Theo will ever be found due to the length of time he has been in the water. sea water is very cruel on the human body more so when that body is dead and decomposing if you'll excuse the gruesome details.in closing I wish to inform you that I too am a mother of two lovely boys and I would rather pass through hell's fire than face the prospect of seeing anything happen to them.
Emmanuel Mazzitelli
Jul 27th 2008, 11:50
The Dept. of Fisheries, AFM among others need a good shake up. An operations review and an investigation in their level of adequate response and preparedness is called for. We should be a modern state in the EU but we need to work very hard to achieve this milestone. This tragedy has shown that our rescue operation structures and resources are weak.
MICHAELA GATT CARABOTT @ valerie scicluna
Jul 27th 2008, 02:02
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOUNG THEO IS FOUND.I think villagers and family are facing reality that by now Theo is not still alive according to his father's report to the authorities,but that doesn't mean that it is less important that he will be found in whatever state his is right now.I dont mean any desrespect valerie,but I wonder if you have got any kids yourself?I do not think so because otherwise you woulld not have written such a thing.I am a mother of 2 gorgeous kids and I would want them to be found no matter what,and its very important for any parent to know where their child is.It doesn't matter how long he's been missing,the only way Theo's family will ever find peace and closure is when he is found and been put to rest,in a proper way that he deserves.
Please Lord,make that this is possible for the family,their friends and all the Xlukkajri.From here in Melbourne my family and I will keep praying for you all.
Michaela Gatt Carabott.
E. Borg Bonello
Jul 26th 2008, 12:44
It is imperative that for once local authorities should emphasis in conducting an official inquiry out of which all evidnece will be officially released to the public at the end of the enquiry.......... we owe all this to the victims of the marsaxlokk tragedy ................ we also need to ascertain that we, as citizens of this island ,are protected by all means at all times, 24 hrs a day 7days a week, in case of distress and emergency calls whether at sea, land or air. Other than tthat we are not a civilised country worthy of being european.
valerie scicluna
Jul 26th 2008, 11:07
The fishermen are searching for a body which has been in the water for approximtely 16 days. is it surprising that the search yielded no results. it's true that the last thing to die is hope but reason should take over ultimately and everyone should start facing reality. I realise that for the parents it is important that young Theo is found, in fact I feel that being unable to accertain his demise is worse than knowing he's dead.Having said all this I hope that Theo's remains are somehow accounted for and this chapter in his young life is closed.