The Armed Forces’ Maritime Squadron Base yesterday marked the 26th anniversary of the explosion on a patrol boat which claimed seven lives.

The dead were Bombardier Joseph Pace, 36, of Sta Venera; Gunner William Simpson, 36, of Lija; Private Anthony Vella, 20, of Għajnsielem; Police Sergeant Saviour Muscat, 30, of Birkirkara; Police Constable Joseph Hare, 24, of Sliema; Bombardier Francis Borg, 36, of Ħamrun and Private Anthony Farrugia, 27, of Żejtun. The bodies of the last two were never found.

The patrol boat – C-23 – they were on was carrying illegal fireworks which they were tasked to dump at sea. The explosion occurred off Comino, leaving only one survivor, a badly injured Private Emmanuel Montesin, now 42, of Paola. He managed to steer the badly damaged vessel to Santa Marija Bay in Comino.

The fireworks had been seized by Żabbar police.

The tragedy is still considered the worst loss suffered by AFM personnel to date.

The stricken patrol boat’s bow, bridge wheel-housing and remaining superstructure were rebuilt at Manoel Island Yacht Yard and, years later, saw its pennant number changed to P-23.

The anniversary was marked as the Maltese islands, especially Gozo, mourn the five people who died in Sunday’s fireworks factory blast in Għarb.