Both boats arrived in Malta's Grand Harbour on 6 February 1971 on board the USS Wood County, and were designated as C-6823 and C-6824 respectively.

The explosion took place on 7 September 1984, during a routine operation while dumping illegal fireworks about 2 miles (3.2 km) off Qala Point in Gozo.

The bodies were brought to Malta on board the patrol boats C28 and C29, and they were given a military funeral which was attended by thousands of people.

The flag-draped coffins left St. Luke's Hospital, and the funeral was led by a 48-man guard of honour from the AFM's Task Force.

[2] The explosion caused a change in policy, with fireworks no longer being carried on patrol boats but on towed barges.

[2] The damaged patrol boat C23 was towed to the Manoel Island Yacht Yard, where it was repaired by having its bow rebuilt.