Monday, 2nd November 2009 - 10:24CET

61 years since biggest peacetime Gozo tragedy

Flowers were laid on a monument in Zewwieqa in Gozo this morning to mark the 61st anniversary since 23 persons died when a luzzu foundered in rough seas.

The tragedy - the worst in peacetime in Gozo - happened as the luzzu was approaching Mgarr at the end of a rough crossing from Malta. Just four people who were on board managed to swim to shore.

This morning's ceremony started with wreath laying by Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono on the simple monument which lists the names of all the victims. It was followed by Mass by Ghajnsielem Archpriest Frankie Bajada on a Gozo Channel ferry. Flowers were also thrown in the sea at the spot where the tragedy took place in 1948.

Those present included relatives of the victims.

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Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Saturday, November 21, 2009. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

J Bezzina (2 weeks, 4 days ago)

More than one body were picked up off Fomm ir-Rih. These included my25-year old uncle Guzeppi picked up six days after the tragedy. He was known to be one of the best swimmers in Marsalforn, swimming from il-Banju tal-Isqof u il-Menqa in minutes.
According to one of the survivors, he drowned when the character mentioned by previous correspondents below clutched to him as he was nearing land. Lord grant them all eternal peace.

Paul Borg (2 weeks, 4 days ago)

I have a recollection in the deep recesses of my mind that some of the victims' bodies floated in the current all the way to Fomm ir-Rih in Malta, which is a fair distance away.

david camilleri (2 weeks, 5 days ago)

The tragic story occurred exactly like G Grech said , the lady complained because they had paid to Mgarr and not to Hondoq . Everyone agreed to enter Hondoq ir-Rummien except her .One of the victims on that Luzzu was my mother's cousin . The point where they drowned is very dangerous for the currents and for the very deep sea.

Mario Borg (2 weeks, 5 days ago)

Are any of the four survivors still with us today?

G Grech (2 weeks, 5 days ago)

@ Joe Camilleri

They say that, according to survivors' accounts, the boat had already made it to safety in Hondoq but a woman complained that they had paid to go all the way to Mgarr and pursuaded the skipper to go to Mgarr. Tragedy struck between Hondoq and Mgarr.

Joe Camilleri (2 weeks, 5 days ago)

Once a gozitan told me that the boat first reached Hondoq ir-rummien, since it is nearer to malta, and because it was pitch dark, it tried to go to Mgarr. It was then that the tragedy happened.

I am only asking if this is true.