Updated - Policeman dies as car crashes into the sea
A 21-year-old Gozitan, Kurt Gauci, died this morning when his car - a green Hyundai - crashed into the sea at Cirkewwa. The accident happened just before 6 a.m.
Informed sources said the victim, a policeman, was about to drive onto the ferry but somehow turned the wrong way. He had earlier been seen asleep in the stationery car.
The victim was taken out of the sea and onto an army rescue launch by an AFM diver but attempts to revive him by ambulance paramedics were unsuccessful.
A crane used in the nearby ferry terminal project was used to raise the car.
A police investigation and a Magisterial inquiry are underway.
Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono was among those on the scene.
Mr Gauci, PC730, joined the police force in June last year. He was stationed at Attard police station.
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A Cassar
Dec 4th 2011, 19:19
Such a terrible tragedy which has really shocked me! I'm sure that something could have been done to prevent this incident/accident! May Kurt rest in peace; I'll surely keep you in my prayers. My deepest sympathies to all his family.
Pule' Carmel
Dec 3rd 2011, 22:45
This is an interesting situation where we have to question how our mind works. A friend of mine was driving home to Kalkara in a very tired condition at night after a very hard day. He told me," I just cannot understand it , I remember going down Ghajn Dwieli Hill, but I just cannot remember how I drove the rest of the road".
This poor young man was so tired that he did not seem to note that there was no ship,ferry in front of him as he approched the edge of the quay! It seems to be the same mental condition that my friend faced as he drove to Kalkara in a tired state.
MARIA BORG
Dec 3rd 2011, 10:27
Of course the poor guy must go to Heaven and it is an unfortunate accident and that he probably was overtired after a hard day’s work. The issue is that the Management is responsible for the injuries caused in such a public area which is controlled by Gozo Channel and is caused by insufficient lighting, barriers and lack of passenger control and gates closures. These responsibilities fall under the Operations Manager unless he also did not know about this, similar to the Chairman story and unless job titles mean more than qualifications and full job responsibilities with Gozo Channel Management
G Falzon
Dec 3rd 2011, 10:15
I did not know Kurt but may he rest in peace. Peace and serenity in this very difficult moment also to his family and friends.
I agree that with hindsight, everyone is an expert. But may I suggest that some sort of temporary railings be devised when vessel ramps are not lowered. I have seen this in other countries.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 3rd 2011, 08:51
Why must we always try to create a scapegoat and start to blame all and sundry before all the facts are known?
To me, and on the evidence available to the public so far, this is a sorry tale of an overtired constable returning home after a hard day's work who fell asleep at the controls of hic while waiting for the Gozo ferry and who probably dozed off momentarily while trying to board the ferry.
Can't we be charitable for all concerned in similar incidents at least until all the facts have emerged?
James Wightman
Dec 3rd 2011, 08:50
You poor man. What awful tragic luck. My sincere condolences.
josephine cauchi
Dec 3rd 2011, 06:45
Last August my daughter was traveling abroad for the first time from Gozo .She had car service waiting for her at cirkewwa as i could not drive her i decided to buy a ferry ticket and just cross over and just see her off there since its a work zone and help her with the bags etc .As i was about to board i told the crew what i was planning on doing this was the first morning trip early they immediately told me there would be no way i would make it back on the ferry i would have to wait an hour for the next one that is how quick they are i could not believe it .May his family find peace somehow .
Denise Rapa
Dec 3rd 2011, 01:38
Kurt has been the victim of an absurd and tragic death. He was a truly special person, full of life, enthusiasm and he radiated positivity. He deserved so much better than this!
Mr leo attard
Dec 2nd 2011, 20:52
May God shed his blessing on the family.
MARIA BORG
Dec 2nd 2011, 20:44
The Management of Gozo Channel should be held fully responsible for such tragic death. What happened to the metal barriers that used to separate the two berths. Shouldn't there be enough personnel available to direct embarking and disembarking traffic from the ferries? If this car went the wrong way would't it have been also easy for the car to hit walking passengers? What made the driver miss the ferry and proceed to the wrong ramp? Answers please !
Joseph Borg
Dec 2nd 2011, 21:51
How easy it is to judge others!!! Thank God that you are not the enquiring magistrate. Please let the competent authorities do their work and decide who was at fault!
Alfred Cassar
Dec 2nd 2011, 22:31
"What made the driver miss the ferry and proceed to the wrong ramp? Answers please!"
Don't you think you're being arrogant, Answers from who, the unfortunate young man? It was an unfortunate accident. May the young man be welcomed in Heaven and may God be with his family in this difficult moment.
Davide Monaco
Dec 2nd 2011, 20:18
R.I.P my friend
It was a shock for every one. Im sure you re in a better place. We will miss you! The Force will miss you !
Ivan Calleja
Dec 2nd 2011, 20:14
Verament acident ta' swied il-qalb u dwejjaq. Li nista' nghid hu li l-port tac-Cirkewwa jinsab fi stat tal-biki u tal-misthija. Ma nafx kemm il-sena (aktar minn ghaxra zgur) ilu jinbena u jekk tmur hemm illum hlief tahwid, nuqqas ta' sigurta' u kruha ma tarax. Xi xahar ilu tlajna Ghawdex filghaxija u ma stajnix insibu fejn kien il-kju ghax barra li kien hemm hafna dlam lanqas sign imgiddma ma kien hemm biex tghidlek fejn trid tikkjuwja!! Dawn l-affarijiet f'pajjizi tat-tielet dinja issibhom!! Tal-biki dal-progett ta bicca port zghir!!
Lino Parascandalo
Dec 2nd 2011, 18:41
I was with Kurt when we graduated last year and joined the force...... I must be honest.. Although i did not know Kurt that much, it shocks me to see that one of my fellow colleage had passed away in such a tragic and sad accident, nevertheless Kurt seemed such a noble, calm and honest man and i m positively sure that he is in a better place. My deepest sympathies to his Family, close friends and colleage.
Walter Joseph Attard
Dec 2nd 2011, 18:12
RIP to this policeman!
When is Gozo Channel going to put barriers by the quay side, even near the ramp? This should be opened just when the ship berths the port!
Stephen Florian
Dec 2nd 2011, 18:05
There should be safety barriers no matter what the case may be.
G Mangion
Dec 2nd 2011, 18:02
Rest in peace PC730 and My sympathy for Your Family.
G. Mangion.
j dough
Dec 2nd 2011, 18:02
what a tragic accident!!
Mark J. Magri
Dec 2nd 2011, 17:59
That was the destiny of this young policeman.
Very unlucky destiny!
May he rest in peace and condolances to his family.
GRANPINTO
Mario J Spiteri
Dec 2nd 2011, 17:55
Lil min hu responsabbli, ghaliex ma saritx barrier ma dan il-pont li ma jkun lest qatt? Sadanittant sahha habib sakemm ninghaqdu mal-Hallieq, tlifna fjura qed tiftah avolja ma nafux. Possibli kapaci nibqghu passivi?
A Cuschieri
Dec 2nd 2011, 17:39
Kondoljanzi lil familja tieghu. Mewta bhal din thalli hafna mistoqsijiet warajha, imma jekk tkunu maghqudin u tghinu wiehed lill iehor tohorgu minn dan is-swied il-qalb. Ftakruh fit-tajjeb. Ma nafux imma mill-kummenti li ghamlu nies li kienu jafuh kien tifel ezemplari - il-familja ghanda tkun kburija b'dan.
Dunstan Camilleri
Dec 2nd 2011, 17:10
Condolences to his family and may God grant him eternal rest .
SM.Dunstan Camilleri.
charlo' sammut
Dec 2nd 2011, 16:11
Very such a sad accident, my thoughts are with the family and friends of this man. RIP
Marius Zulgis
Dec 2nd 2011, 15:39
Such a sad event - RIP.
Malcolm Cutajar
Dec 2nd 2011, 15:36
Accident simili gara nhar it tnejn filghaxija fid 9 fej mara waqghet bil karozza, u peress li helsitha ma saru l ebda passi! Kif tista thalli xifer bhal dan bla ebda sigurta? lanqas naqa ta barriers max xifer, sa anke tifel zghir jithalla jigri jkun ta periklu f dawn l inhawi! Issa ghax tmut persuna naraw x naghmlu.
R. Gauci
Dec 3rd 2011, 00:13
Ghax hemm dejjem gej it-terminal imma qatt ma jigi habib, issemma f'xi 10 budgets u kollox kif kien jibqa, skuza li se jinbena baqa kollox mitluq.
Peter Agius
Dec 2nd 2011, 15:31
I do not know PC Gauci personally, but from what I am reading and hearing the Police Force has lost an asset. Condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
Daniel De Battista
Dec 2nd 2011, 15:22
Ghadni sa issa ma nistax nemmen bdin it-tragedja. Lill Kurt nafu sewwa.. Dejjem ferhan u b'dik it tbissima fuq wiccu. Niftakru ghadu diehel fil-pulizija fejn inghaqad fix-shift mieghi gewwa id-distrett 8 (BIRKIRKARA). Peresli kien tampari konnha nqattghu hafna hin flimkien u sahansitra gieli hrigna niehdu drink wkoll. Tifel tal-genn li jaf il limiti tieghu.
Nixtieq nzid u ma rridx ninftijem hazin illi dan milli nista nifhem gara sforz l-ghejja li kellhu fuqu. Li tkun ghawdxi u trid taqsam il fliegu sabiex tigi fuq il-post tax xoghol hawn Malta diga hija ugieh ta ras. Jiena li jien Malti wkoll nhossni mfarrak ahseb u ara l-ghawdxin li jahdmu hawn. Nispera li fuq dan li gara min hu kkoncernat jiehu nota sabiex fil futur gejjieni jintlahaq kompromess u nisperaw li jkollnha shift ahjar minn dan li ghandna. Veru li 4si ndara imma huwa shift li jghejjik u jheddlek. Nghid ghalija l-off naghmlu riqed!!
Naghti l-kondoljanzi lill familjari tieghu, qraba, hbieb u kollegi.
Tibqa dejjem go qalbi HABIB!!
VV Bartolo
Dec 2nd 2011, 18:29
prosit Daniel! 4 kelmiet ta' ragel!!
Daniel De Battista
Dec 2nd 2011, 20:28
Grazzi VV Bartolo... Ghalkemm ma nafekx nahseb illi fhemt dak li qieghed nghid. Nammetti wkoll illi is sigurta gewwa il port tac Cirkewwa hija nulla!! Kieku kien hemm crash barriers jaf sehibna qieghed l-sptar u mux fejn il mulej...
Ghadni sal lejla xxukjat bdin l-ahbar u ghalkemm naf illi l-bierah kienet il gurnata off ta Kurt... U mux bhall ma qalet il media li kien fuq xoghol izda dan kien mar ikla ma shabu tax shift, naf wkoll illi dan il limiti tieghu kien jafom!! Zgur mija fil mija li ma xorobx iz zejjed...!! Nispera li min hu kkoncernat jiehu nota ta kollox u mux jfarfar minn fuq spallejh!!!!
S.M. Cuschieri
Dec 2nd 2011, 21:24
Daniel, you are so right about the commuting the Gozitans have to go through every day just to get to work. I know it is impossible for all the Gozitans to be able to work in Gozo but I wish it were so. When the weather is bad, it takes me forever to get to my workplace in Luqa and I live in Malta, so imagine what its like for these Gozitans.I happen to understand exactly what you mean because I experience first hand what these gozitans go through every day because I have two in my shift and I am constantly concerned about them. May this young man rest in peace. It is always so sad when we lose a member of our Forces and in such tragic circumstances. My condolences go out to his family and to all the members of the Police Corps. And to you too Daniel....for losing a friend.
Joseph Calleja
Dec 2nd 2011, 15:22
Nobody knows exactly what happened and we should remain silent till an inquiry has taken place. We seem to become experts after an accident occurs and some already started pointing fingers. It is a very sad accident and let us leave it at that. RIP.
jay smith
Dec 2nd 2011, 15:06
Gozo channel should be held responsible for this accident. there health and safety standards are the worse on the island. On a daily basis they risk people life’s. For 1 the ferry always leaves the port with its cargo doors open. This should be not be allowed, a ferry in the uk, with under because it had to cargo doors open. On most occasions you see people sleeping in the cars, when the ferry goes. this also should not be happening, if the boat starts to sink, they have a very slim chance to make it alive. But in Malta we wait for something to happen than we do something about it. The quay should be surrounded with barriers, and any ramps that are not being used, should have a gate.
My deepest condolences to the victim's family, and hope the family will sue gozochannel.
Norbert Grima
Dec 2nd 2011, 14:54
Such a sad day. Although I did not know you, I still was shocked by the devastating news. Rest in peace. You will surly be missed by many.
Alisa French
Dec 2nd 2011, 14:20
This is such a sad accident, my thoughts are with the family and friends of this man. RIP
Ivan Gatt
Dec 2nd 2011, 14:15
It is a known safety norm that when driving on a quay a vehicle's seat belts are to be unhooked. Therefore what I suggest is that signage is immediately erected in way of same, to bring this information to the attention of the general public. Such signage translated into common languages would also be beneficial.
My deeepest condolences to the victim's family and may God rest his soul.
Carmelo Portelli
Dec 2nd 2011, 14:40
So it was the fault of the seat belts? I thought it was the fact that there is nothing stopping a vehicle falling into the water that was the issue here. Silly me
R. Gauci
Dec 2nd 2011, 14:10
Min jaf kieku ma kaxkarnix saqajna fuq il-Moll tac-Cirkewwa din il-mewt ma setghetx tigi evitata???
A Cuschieri
Dec 2nd 2011, 17:38
Ma rnexxielekx taghti l-kondoljajnzi minghajr ma ddahhal element politiku fiha l-haga?
R. Gauci
Dec 3rd 2011, 00:11
Diga tghajt il-kondoljanzi aktar l-isfel Sur Cuschieri. Min dahhal il-politka? Jien bniedem li l-affarijiet irridhom sewwa halli tragedji bhal dawn ma jsehhux, forsi li dan il-guvnott kien ibnek illum titkellem mod iehor. Hemmekk illum suppost hemm terminal bis-safety features kollha li dan jirrikjedi flok rampa ghall-bahar u nikkundanna lil GonziPN fuq din id-dizgrazzja bl-istess mod li nikkundanna l-Gvern Laburista talli fl-80s ma kienx irranga l-moll ta` fejn it-Tirrenia (Birgu) almenu mhux qabel mietu xi 3 persuni.
A Cuschieri
Dec 3rd 2011, 10:12
Nahseb fhimtni hazin.
Naqbel mieghek li l-bicca xoghol setghet giet evitata u li xi hadd ghandu jkun responsabbli (aktar il-kuntrattur milli l-gvern ghaliex huwa ghandu jpoggi s-safety features kollha), pero nahseb li dan l-artiklu kien ikun aktar xieraq kieku nkomplu nfakkru l-memorja ta dan il-guvni milli nitfaw il-gebel u nippuntaw is-swaba.
Nerga nghidlek, tajjeb li punt bhal tieghek jitqajjem, ma qbiltx mal-mod u l-lok li ghamiltu inti. Dak kollox.
Carmelo Portelli
Dec 2nd 2011, 13:49
As a Gozitan who travels every day to work in Malta i must say the conditions are poor to say the least! The current state of the birthing is appalling! There is very limited parking which is a distance form the ferry, the lighting is inadequate, there are protrusions of metal in some places which could cause injury if somebody falls on them... to sum it up the place and project are a mismanaged mess.
My heart goes out to the friends and family of this young man. It is a shame that in our country action is only taken AFTER such a case takes place. This could have been easily avoided by the use of retractable bollards which ARE used in several European countries which conduct row row operations. As for the crew doing something well i don't think that you can generalise... there was already a case in Gozo where a member of the crew was decorated for saving a life (a hero in my book) after a similar accident took place in Mgarr.
I would like to know (as do many other readers, as far as I can see) who will be held responsible for this? What is being done to ascertain who is responsible for such a case and what action will be taken against the person or persons in question? Will this be swept under the carpet (so to speak)?
Charles Sammut
Dec 2nd 2011, 13:41
From the huge dent on the roof it seems that the car hit the water upside down possibly resulting in the poor victim hitting his head against the roof of the car and getting knocked out.
I am sure that there are CCTV cameras in that area and they should shed more light on this sad and unfortunate accident.
JOSEPH ZAMMIT
Dec 2nd 2011, 13:34
Very sad indeed. But these things should never happen, especially near a ferry. Even if one tries to commit suicide it should be impossible.
Concrete pillars-as used in some no entry roads,should be installed in these places. A vehicle can easily drift away when handbrake is mistakingly hit or by faulty breaks.
Installing these small concrete/iron pillars would prevent such accidents or suicide attempts. We must always take into consideration the worst scenarios and try to avoid them happening even happening voluntarily.
George Brincat
Dec 2nd 2011, 13:22
perhaps gozo channel operations manager should provide a feasible excuse why the quays were not closed as should be!
it is useless showing your grief after such a tragedy when as the person responsible you should have done much more to avoid such occurances
one asks has an internal inquiry been launched so that the personnel responsible is punished? did the minister bother to open a ministerial inquiry so as to establish responsibility?
will the operations manager resign now?
Joseph Aquilina
Dec 2nd 2011, 13:43
The operations manager should explain why no one from Gozo Channel tried to give first help ... at least in this article there is no report that anyone jumped in sea to try and get this person out. What did they do? stay looking? Didn't they receive any basic training of what to do in such situations?? Do the Gozitans who cross on a daily bases trust their lives on people which will just stare if you find yourself in trouble? ... I hope we hear more and that EVEN MORE HOPE I AM PROVEN WRONG!!
Jesmar Cremona
Dec 2nd 2011, 16:33
Ezatt, Kif hadd ma kien kapaci jinzel mal-ewwel? Possibli li hadd mill Gozo Channel mhu kapaci jew trenjat!
Alfred Attard
Dec 2nd 2011, 13:21
How many more lives have to be lost before precautions to jetties safety be actioned. I remember of other lost lives similar to this at Birgu and Bormla. A week ago a friend of mine was lucky when his car crushed at Birgu waterfront while he was reversing his car. Apart from that the place is not well light, it is very dangerous because one can be easily deceived where the jetty ends. However, he was lucky that he crashed along the side of a slip way.
Anyway, may Kurt RIP
Alan Caruana
Dec 2nd 2011, 13:11
Unbelievable but none the less true ! may you rest in piece mate !
Jonaphin Spiteri
Dec 2nd 2011, 13:01
Rest in peace!
Hossam Helwani
Dec 2nd 2011, 12:42
This accident renders me speechless
I do not know how this things occur.
Hossam Helwani
Dec 2nd 2011, 12:42
This accident renders me speechless
I do not know how this things occur.
P. Cassar
Dec 2nd 2011, 12:30
Our Brother, as you now patrol the streets of Heaven, may you continue your vigilant watch over us all as we carry on in the battles to come … In Our Brother’s Honor. We thank you for your service . Job Well Done Sir. From your collegues in blu.
Daniel De Battista
Dec 2nd 2011, 15:27
Well said... He was also a gr8 friend to us who knew him!! I'm sure he's watching us from heaven..:)
Marco Lia
Dec 2nd 2011, 12:19
Seriously....these things keep happening and no one does anything !!! I still can't understand how he managed to go wrong way...but he could have fainted or something like that....autopsy results still need to be confirmed.
yet again...is it possible that no one noticed that the car was going the wrong direction ? On the ferry there are crew members that tell you where to park, and to show you the way ! Is it possible that they saw this guy going the WRONG direction and do nothing !!!!
HOW dare they not do anything to save him... they are crew members on a SHIP...they know how to swim !!! Come on.... !!!! RIP dude and may time show mercy with your family.
Mandy Portelli
Dec 2nd 2011, 12:40
What the crew could have done was to close the gate that is supposed to be closed or else put some barriers. Other than that, I think they could have done nothing to prevent such a tragic accident. Poor man.
May he rest in peace.
Zagroma Savrene
Dec 2nd 2011, 12:17
I dont get it...how did he drive the "wrong way" and ended up in the sea? The only answer for that is that he was driving while he was still 95% asleep in which case he pretty much had an accident coming any minute...sadly his accident was a fatal one. rip.
John Portelli
Dec 2nd 2011, 12:14
I was shocked to hear of this tragic death. What a huge loss indeed rest in peace Kurt
Joe Xuereb
Dec 2nd 2011, 12:13
What a tragic end to a decent young life. My deepest sympathy to his family and all who knew him.
I am not familiar with the berthing at Ċirkewwa area so I cannot comment about barriers and whether they are needed. What I do know is that using machinery/driving cars/even a computer is not adviseable when fatigued/intoxicated/taking certain medications. These affect our judgement and hence the danger. This is a lesson to be learnt I'm afraid.
Kurt, you are a young man who was doing his best to be a decent citizen. Very likely you knew what I have just said but you did not heed it, anxious as you were to get home after your toil. Working and feeling tired are not a crime Kurt. I'm sorry young man.
Anthony Said
Dec 2nd 2011, 12:13
Such a tragic loss and at such a young age. My condolences to his loved lones. May Kurt rest in eternal peace.
Ms M Sciberras
Dec 2nd 2011, 11:49
how sad..
may he rest in peace..
Saviour Cachia
Dec 2nd 2011, 11:36
RIP to Kurt. What an unfortunate incident (or accident?) that cost the life of a person still in his youth. It is a pity and may his family find the much needed comfort to deal with this sorrowing ordeal.
Charles Micallef
Dec 2nd 2011, 11:33
Rest in Peace Kurt, and may God look after his family in their hour of need!
.....................................Sad tradegy that I am told could have been
avoided with some barriers, which will now be put in situ................... tomorrow!!!!!
Joseph Borg
Dec 2nd 2011, 11:28
Didn't know him personally but he was a true gentleman and police with a conscious when I once encountered him knocking doors to check who owned a car parked on (notoriously hidden) yellow lines instead of just slapping a fine and leave. RIP PC Gauci!
John Grech
Dec 2nd 2011, 11:18
RIP. Condolences to his family, relatives and friends. A very sad and tragic accident. May God be with you in these hard times you are facing.
Ian Vella
Dec 2nd 2011, 11:18
First of all condolences to the family.
Secondly if anyone ever finds himself in a similar situation he should:
1. DO NOT try to open the door or the window (especially if electric)
2. Hold breath and wait until the car gets filled completely with water (around 20 seconds) If you try to open the door when the car is still filled with air and outside it’s all surrounded with sea water it will be nearly impossible. Most deaths occur when people try to open their door in such a scenario and panic.
3. As soon as the car is filled up with water inside, the pressure in the car is matched to the pressure outside with sea water and you can open door effortlessly and swim up.
4. Ensure you are actually swimming UP because a car falling in sea might plunge upside down and you would loose any sense of orientation.
M. Degiorgio
Dec 2nd 2011, 13:08
Very informative........
Romain Girard
Dec 2nd 2011, 13:16
You will save some lives with your comment.
Steve Zammit
Dec 3rd 2011, 21:58
Thanks for your input Mr.Vella
I learnt something new today !!
They should teach this stuff in schools !! It could save lives
My condolence to the family. RIP
Joseph Mifsud
Dec 2nd 2011, 11:17
This highlights the working conditions of shift workers, I know what it means to stay awake all night I was a shift worker. My car used to arrive at my home on auto-pilot !
Mark Piscopo
Dec 2nd 2011, 10:49
I am shocked with the Death of PC Kurt Gauci. May you Rest in Peace our friend ..
My honest appeal to the Ministry/Authorities Concerned is to put up a few guardrails as this type accident happened twice in Mgarr Gozo and to Wake up Now because it is not fair for Gozitans travelling everyday or twice every week .Instead of trying to Demonize labour by recounting tragedies of 30years ago the Government must concentrate on Road Safety becuause is not efficient and comfortable for thousands of Gozitans. Currently in Malta when somebody dies or hurts seriously the concerned Authorities commence erecting barricades! SHAME!
Ms Maria Vella
Dec 2nd 2011, 13:43
Do we have to involve politics in every comment we post???
Since you are picking on this issue, yes it is important that we remember our past, irrespective of whether actions were taken by Labour or Nationalist supporters. Both sides have stuff to be ashamed of but what happened happened. And if I might take it further, had we remained in that situation you would probably be not free to post such comments without fear of being harassed - probably you weren't even born then so you didn't know what the situation was like at that time either.
Young people these days are lucky - they've had it all ready for them on a platter.
Now let us stop this and think of PC Gauci's family who woke up with such bad news. May he rest in peace
George Smith
Dec 2nd 2011, 10:39
Very sad. Rest in Peace Kurt.
As usual, first somebody dies or hurts seriously in this country of ours and then we start erecting barricades. Where is the health and safety ?
It should come first !!
George Camilleri
Dec 2nd 2011, 10:39
a huge loss to gozo - kurt was loved by all and a friend for all. RIP dear friend
J Sammut
Dec 2nd 2011, 10:37
What a sad loss, a young man who wanted to help our society as a police officer. This is the fault of those working at the terminal who should have put up baracades or signs so that no one COULD drive the wrong way. What a waste. How can companies, in this day and age, still be so careless?
Saviour Attard
Dec 2nd 2011, 10:34
And no one from the Gozo channel tried to jump in and help the young man? I taught they were trained for such emergencies.
Carmel Xuereb
Dec 2nd 2011, 11:06
I think non of them are trained for anything like this, and I fear that if any thing goes wrong on any Gozo Channel trip the crew will be the first to head for safety, I never heard that they ever did a mock operation even without passengers on board the ferry. God will help is if anything goes wrong on the Gozo Channel.
Michael Vella
Dec 2nd 2011, 11:54
You seem to know everything about the accident already. Makes me wonder why the police don't cancel their investigation and simply contact you for a full version of events...............
May he rest in peace!
Marco Lia
Dec 2nd 2011, 12:23
you dont have to be trained to jump in the water and try to save a person !!! when same thing happened in bormla, civilians jumped into the water when the car was still floating !!! their effort was useless as the mother and her 1y/o son died....however this guy could have been saved ! Shame on those who where there, watched and did NOTHING....... and something is fishy in this accident. Crew members should have been alert !!
Mr George Borg
Dec 2nd 2011, 10:30
What a great shock!!!..... especially for those who know this poor young man and his family. May he rest in peace and may God be with his family....... Kuragg, Raymond u Sandra.......
Vanessa Grech
Dec 2nd 2011, 10:17
RIP Kurt.
ok there were no rails to prevent him going through the wrong lane. but i can't believe there was nobody who could at least draw his attention that he was driving the wrong way. in the absence of such rail, where was the crew after all?
Joe Grech
Dec 2nd 2011, 10:17
Sad....deeply moving. Possibly this death might have been avoided.
The family need to appoint somebody knowledgeable to check if there were any serious safety issues that may have led to the death of their dear one. They should immediately file a case in court if this death is the result of mismanagement by others.
Lawrence Cardona
Dec 2nd 2011, 10:16
R.I.P
J Hili
Dec 2nd 2011, 09:59
rest in peace my friend .. where is the gaurd rails? this already happened twice in mgarr Gozo ..? come on where is the safety ? why nobody do anything about it
Mr Steve Cassar
Dec 2nd 2011, 10:36
and also happened in bormla .....
R. Gauci
Dec 2nd 2011, 10:56
.... during the 31st March 2001 Regatta, a mother and baby drowned that day. Still can't take off my mind the picture which appeared in 'Il-Kullhadd' showing tjhe helpless mother trying to hand her baby boy to rescuers, in vain, as seconds later the car was swallowed by the muddy water.
R. Gauci
Dec 2nd 2011, 09:54
Always sad to read such news - RIP my friend
Diane Borg
Dec 2nd 2011, 09:36
:((( RIP man!
this is one of the worst things ever happened....
And I only blame the state in which Cirkewwa is in. The road is a disaster, everything sucks and it's really not efficient and comfortable for gozitans travelling everyday or twice every week :S And why don't they close the other side when it is not in use by the ferry? Once in a while an accident happens there :\
Gozo Channel, Arriva, Malta... All of them suck unfortunately :(
carmel callus
Dec 2nd 2011, 10:17
Why is it that every time an accident happens, we have to put the blame on the authorities?
Adrian Pavia
Dec 2nd 2011, 10:29
dan kien tiela fuq il vapur. M'ghandux x'jaqsam li qed tghid int.
William Calleja
Dec 2nd 2011, 10:39
@Carmel Callus. Because, responsible or not, the authorities are appointed to make sure that these things do not happen and accountability demands that we question the events.
FB Aquilina
Dec 2nd 2011, 10:55
@ Mr Carmel Callus:
Why shouldn't we question the authorities? After all in a democracy, governments are accountable to the electorate. Government appointed authorities also fall under the remit of public scrutiny since they are paid from public funds. However, I don't blame you at all for your misguided perception since as of late govt is acting just like an unelected monarchy - awarding its cabinet a hefty increase of 500 Euros a week (backdated to 2008) when the rest of us get a measly cost of living adjustment which barely covers the cost of fuel increases. Just figure that out: Eur 500x 52 x 2 years in arrears. Uzgur li nsaqsu!
Ms Monica Farrugia
Dec 2nd 2011, 09:36
Deepest condolences... rest in peace.
Mr Tony Gatt
Dec 2nd 2011, 09:34
"Somehow turned the wrong way"- how very strange- I hope if there are any safety issues, such a a missing barrier it is put right immediately .
Very sad.
Neil Bugeja
Dec 2nd 2011, 10:24
There are NO barriers there! And when I asked as to why there aren't any, I was told "ghax inkella kif ha jikkalkula l-vapur li jidhol bejn il-barriers?" Which, to be fair, is a decent reply. However, there could be more lighting, especially near the edge of the water.
Also, there exist movable barriers, which can be altered accordingly!!
So sad that this might have been avoided!
Mr Tony Gatt
Dec 2nd 2011, 11:48
@ Neil Bugeja,
The reply you got was no excuse- it should not be possible to accidentally drive over an unmarked pier edge.
I Azzopardi
Dec 2nd 2011, 09:29
A really sad way to go dear Kurt =/ Rest in peace!
Carmel Camilleri
Dec 2nd 2011, 09:23
R.I.P. my friend.
Sandra Portelli
Dec 2nd 2011, 09:06
May his soul Rest In Peace. My deepest sympathies all his family.
John Xuereb
Dec 2nd 2011, 08:56
traggic accident :(
R.I.P. Kurt and my deepest condoliences to your family
VV Bartolo
Dec 2nd 2011, 08:31
OMG!!! what a tragedy! May his soul rest in peace and God be with his family esp his parents at this terrible time!!
David Mario Fenech
Dec 2nd 2011, 09:08
Also I'm very sorry for his girlfriend because they were an exemplary couple. I'm really shocked. about this.
Rhona Scerri
Dec 2nd 2011, 08:25
RIP young man and condolences to his family.
David Spiteri
Dec 2nd 2011, 08:20
rest in peace!
J Galea
Dec 2nd 2011, 08:09
What a waste of valuable human life. RIP. and Road Safety? Malta Motor Madness continues.
Carmel Tabone
Dec 2nd 2011, 09:36
I think that this was not madness, as in the report we read that he was asleep while waiting to board. I think that this is more of working too much without sleep. RIP
Joseph J Camilleri
Dec 2nd 2011, 09:53
This is not the way to say such things about road safety. What was poor Kurt's motor madness. As if you know what happened. My condolences to Kurt's family.
Christina Pace
Dec 2nd 2011, 11:22
Hmm, where is the motor madness in this story? pray tell. Did the article at any point give you enough facts to state that? Did it say the young man was driving fast or wrecklessly for you to call it motor madness? Or did you just read the headline and the first couple of lines and decided that car crash and 21 year old equals motor madness? Woud you have said the same if it was a 50 year old man?
I sure hope you're not the typical middle-aged to old Maltese man that waits on single or double yellow lines and thinks it is ok just because the hazard lights are on, and drinks a few beers at the band club or a few whiskies at the local bar and decides just cause the drive is a short one it is ok, and also speeds through a red light at the last minute before the other cars start moving, and stays on the left lane approaching a roundabout knowing well that you'll turn to the right at the roundabout, overtakes cars just before a crossing,and rolls through a stop sign with limited visibility, and simply ignores priority rules and talks and texts on his phone. Indeed that is the description of the typical middle ages to old Maltese male driver. Whereas the same aged women are opposite but just as bad. Moving at 30km/hr on the outer lane (or in the middle) of a by-pass with a 70 speed limit, stepping on that break pedal to let a gust of wind go by as if she was crushing an insect and knows not of the proper use of indicator lights, and thinks that driving slowly on a low gear saves her fuel when all it really does is drain more of it, and most frustratingly will give way to anything and everything at any junction at which it is clearly her right of way. I sincerely hope after your judgmental comment that J Galea is neither of the two.