An inquiry into command processes in the AFM in the context of the death of Gunner Matthew Psaila during a training exercise in February has reported that there was "panic" in the dark tunnel under a bridge at Chadwick Lakes, where the tragedy took place.
The exercise took place on February 13 and started between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. It involved three sections of C (Special Duties) Company. Each section consisted of between 12 and 13 soldiers, and Gunner Psaila was in Section 1. Lt Chris Vella was in overall charge.
In the exercise, the soldiers were required to walk the length of Chadwick Lakes upstream. They wore a helmet, uniform, boots and webbing and carried a rifle, the total weight of the kit being 13 kilos.
Each section carried a log (actually an old wooden telephone pole) which was to serve as a floating aid for the soldiers when the water was deep.
The sections left, one after the other, from San Pawl tal-Qlejgha Chapel and went under the first bridge and over a dam, carrying the log. When they reached the top of the dam, they threw down the log and followed it into the water. They then walked or swam upstream towards the two arches of the next bridge, with some of the soldiers holding on to the log.
Gunner Psaila was near the the rear.
After walking in the water for some 30-40 metres, then climbed onto the right bank and walked towards the bridge.
By the time they reached the bridge, the soldiers were feeling bitterly cold but had no problems. Once they reached the bridge, they again entered the water, holding the log, taking the right archway.
When they were half-way down the tunnel, they found the water to be deep. As the soldiers held on to the log, it went underwater with their weight and some of the soldiers also found themselves underwater.
It was dark under the tunnel,and a panic ensued, the report says.
Lance Bombadier Perigin pulled some three soldiers to the surface. At one time he tried to conduct a headcount, but this proved difficult since the soldiers of Section 2 had arrived by this time.
Some time later, it was noted that Gnr Psaila was missing. A search was launched and he was found underwater.
He was pulled to the bank and CPR was started. An ambulance was called, but when it did not arrive after a few minutes, Gnr Psaila was carried onto a Landrover which headed for the hospital. The ambulance was intercepted at the roundabout at the top of Constitution Street, Mosta and Gnr Psaila was transferred to it.
Gunner Psaila received intensive hospital treatment for three days, bus passed away on February 16 after having suffered multiple organ failure and massive pulmonary oedema secondary to drowning.