1948 Gozo luzzu disaster

This journey lasted longer than the usual route, and disembarkation at St. Paul's Bay was also slower, so the next scheduled crossing from Marfa of 16:30 was cancelled.

Another luzzu crewed by Salvu Refalo and Karmnu Grima was sent, and all 25 stranded passengers (24 men and 1 woman) boarded the boat.

[1] The luzzu departed Marfa in calm seas, and the trip proceeded uneventfully until the boat passed the island of Comino.

At this point, the seas became rougher due to the wind direction, and the coxswain told the passengers that it would be better to head to the bay of Ħondoq ir-Rummien than the harbour of Mġarr.

One of the passengers, Karmnu Attard, managed to swim to shore and went to the village of Qala to call the police at Mġarr, informing the authorities about the accident.

Mass was celebrated by Bishop Giuseppe Pace, and it was attended by Prime Minister Boffa, Commissioner for Gozo Edgar Montanaro, a representative for the Governor, Gozitan members of parliament and clergy, as well as RAF and police detachments along with the families of the victims.

[1] The Prime Minister also set up two committees, one to raise funds for the families of the victims, and another to examine the report of Gouder's inquiry and to make recommendations on what action needs to be taken.

[3] An annual remembrance ceremony is held on the anniversary of the disaster at the memorial and on board Gozo Channel Line ferries.