Clutching a bouquet of red roses, Stephania Carabott could not hold back a flood of tears as her husband's coffin was led into the Marsaxlokk parish church yesterday afternoon.

Noel Carabott, one of the victims of the Simshar tragedy, was described as a person with a big heart, whose sincerity and generosity were mirrored in his eyes.

Caritas director Mgr Victor Grech, who led the concelebrated Mass, said one could not know Mr Carabott and not love him.

He referred to the 33-year-old's generosity, which continued until his last moments, when he gave his clothes to 11-year-old Theo Bugeja who is still missing.

"He was a respectful young man, happy and generous," Mgr Grech told the congregation - that included fishermen and dignitaries, including Acting President George Hyzler and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi - who filled the church decorated for the village festa dedicated to Our Lady of Pompeii being celebrated this weekend.

Mgr Grech described Mr Carabott as a grateful man who did not forget the good done to him and who was inseparable from his wife of 10 years.

"I am sure his last thoughts were of Stephania and his family," he said.

Relatives and friends read their personalised prayers, including Mr Carabott's young niece who addressed her uncle, saying his loss would be sorely felt.

Her face taut with emotion, Mrs Carabott followed her husband's coffin out onto the church parvis, where he was greeted by a resonant applause and a salute with petards.

Yesterday's funeral was the first for the victims of the Simshar tragedy - 61-year-old Carmelo Bugeja is expected to be buried this morning and Somali crewman Abdulrahman Abdalla Gedi, 21, is expected to be buried tomorrow.

Thorough searches for the boy by both the armed forces and fishermen have failed to produce any result. Simon Bugeja, the only survivor of the ill-fated journey, told rescuers his son had died in his arms but eventually he lost his grip and the boy drifted away.

Mr Bugeja is recovering at the burns unit of Mater Dei Hospital, following two skin-graft operations last Saturday for a number of small but deep wounds on his legs.

Hospital sources said medics were satisfied with his condition considering that he had been lost at sea and exposed to the sun for more than a week.

The 35-year-old was found on July 18, in what has been described as a "relatively lucid mental state" a week after the Simshar is thought to have sunk.

A meeting between the Armed Forces and fishermen was held yesterday morning to discuss safety during fishing expeditions.

Col Manwel Mallia said the army provided fishermen with information about safety and rescue equipment that could improve their safety.

Ray Bugeja, from the National Fisheries Cooperative, said the cooperative agreed the equipment should be upgraded.