Armed Forces Mark 42 Anniversary Of C23 Tragedy

The Armed Forces of Malta’s Maritime Squadron held a solemn ceremony in memory of the seven Armed Forces of Malta and Malta Police Force personnel who tragically lost their lives aboard P23 (then known as C23) on Friday 7th September 1984.

‘The commemoration took place at the Maritime Squadron’s Hay Wharf Base in Floriana, beginning with Holy Mass concelebrated by the Armed Forces of Malta and Malta Police Force Chaplains followed by a wreath-laying ceremony and a moment of reflection at the P23 monument.’

The tragedy took place when the Swift-class patrol boat C23 of the Maritime Squadron was severely damaged by an explosion while dumping illegal fireworks off Qala in Gozo.

Seven people died, five soldiers and two policemen, with the only survivor being severely injured. The boat was repaired and returned to service, later renamed P23.

It was decommission 2010, and remains at the AFM base at Hay Wharf as a memorial to those killed.

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Photos: Brooke Ciantar (Public Affairs Office)