Cynthia Busuttil
Possibility of finding missing boy is remote
The likelihood of finding the boy Theo Bugeja is "remote", AFM Brigadier Carmel Vassallo admitted yesterday as the search for the missing boy continued by the Armed Forces of Malta and fishermen without any sign of the 11-year-old.
A search by the Partenavia plane leased by Charles Azzopardi, of Azzopardi Fisheries, was discontinued yesterday because of the wind.
Brigadier Vassallo said nothing had been found despite an extensive search over the past days. Although the army was mainly focusing on finding the boy it also kept a lookout for any wreckage of the Simshar.
"I have lost almost all hope of finding something," he said.
The tragedy took the lives of Theo's 61-year-old grandfather Carmelo, 33-year-old Noel Carabott and 21-year-old Somali national Abdulrahman Abdala Gedi.
Simon Bugeja, Theo's father, was the only survivor, found by Marsaxlokk fishermen a week after the boat disappeared off the radar.
Mr Bugeja has reportedly said his son died at sea and slipped from his arms hours later.
Fishermen, who were already strapped for cash, have forked out thousands of euros to search for their missing colleagues, who were on board the ill-fated Simshar. The fishermen did not only halt their fishing trips but used their boats in the search, running up hefty diesel bills.
According to Mr Azzopardi, fishermen have paid some €1,000 in fuel costs daily for each boat which joined the search.
"There are fishermen who can barely afford to put food on their table but still went into huge expenses to search for their friends," he said, adding that the tragedy has brought together fishermen who sometimes bicker over who had the best catch or the best boat.
Mr Azzopardi said he has known the Bugeja family for several years, having worked with Carmelo for over three decades. He said Carmelo had been going out to sea since he was a 10-year-old boy and would have been very attentive to the safety of the others.
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
5 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Ernest Vella
Jul 29th 2008, 21:58
I think the Goverment must pay those who made Search and Rescue Operations...something that the AFM lacked to do....our taxes must be use to protect Maltese people first of all...the FRONTEX must be taken as second class operation...Goverment - give our money to the fishermen....the true rescuers
Michael Gafa
Jul 28th 2008, 23:17
I must agree with the comments of Ms. Vella Zarb and M. Spitieri. Its easy for outsiders to point their fingers and blame who ever they feel necessary to blame, and this seems to be a speciality of many! Only God knows what really happened! The only truth that we are sure of is that three men lost their lives and one young kid is missing out there lost somewhere in the mediterranean sea. No investigation or inquiry can ever bring back the life of these 4 guys! in this moment of difficulty may God be with their relatives and hope that they can find the strenght to move on in life....the show must go on unfortunately with a big ache in their heart...hopefully time will heal a bit but things can never be the same again!
wally vella-zarb
Jul 28th 2008, 18:02
Mr Cassar, the probability of finding a person lost at sea is ALWAYS remote, especially in the absence of an EPIRB or a PLB. If you had ever participated in a MOB exercise you would know.
I am surprised - and very thankful - when someone is in fact found. I am not surprised at all when they are not; just sad at the loss of life.
It is so easy to throw blame and to point fingers - especially when one does not really know what one is talking about!
M.Spiteri
Jul 28th 2008, 15:37
I believe that in moments like these - words and recriminations are truly futile. The fact is that there has been a tragic loss of life. We can only gather round the mourning families in silence and in prayer.
Edward Cassar
Jul 28th 2008, 10:29
It was 'REMOTE" from the begining for you dear AFM Brigadier Carmel Vassallo.