Hook tying marathon for Simshar victims’ families

Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino this morning visited a 30-hour hook tying marathon by fisherman Toni Carabott, organised by the Għaqda Koperattiva tas-Sajd to raise money for the families of the Simshar victims.

The marathon, being held in Marsaxlokk, comes to an end this evening at 10.

Lauding the initiative, Mr Pullicino said he was struck by sense of solidarity among the fishing community, which the whole of Malta should learn from.

He said he could understand the mixed feelings of joy and sorrow Simon Bugeja’s family must have experienced when Mr Bugeja was found alive, his father Carmelo dead and son Theo remaining lost at sea to this very day.

The minister said the Maltese sometimes did not appreciate what fishermen went through to catch fish.

He said that work on a monument for all hard-working fishermen including those who lost their life at sea should start in October.

The Għaqda Koperattiva presented the minister with €1,000 for the Simshar families’ fund. Another €15,000 were presented by the National Fisheries Cooperative.

Donations may be made at BOV, account 400 1740 1487 or HSBC, account 089 0200 280 50.