Pregnant Woman Among Those Saved From Malta’s SAR Zone

Pregnant Woman Among Those Saved From Malta's SAR Zone
Jan 27 2025 Share

A pregnant woman and a severely injured man were airlifted from Malta’s search and rescue (SAR) zone on Sunday after a shipwreck claimed several lives, including two children.

German rescue NGO Sea Punks reported 17 survivors, while many others drowned.

Sea Punks’ Sea Punk I rescue vessel arrived at the scene around 7 a.m. to find people scattered in the water, including a deceased toddler.

Rescuers initially encountered 21 individuals, but several drowned during the operation despite efforts to save them. Survivors were suffering from severe hypothermia, and medical staff attempted CPR on two children, managing to save only one.

The NGO described the situation as “extremely critical,” with people drifting and separating on both sides of the ship.

The incident occurred approximately 53 nautical miles off Lampedusa. After the rescue, the Italian Coast Guard took the 15 remaining survivors and the bodies of the two deceased children.

In a separate case on Saturday, Sea Punks discovered a fibreglass boat in Malta’s SAR zone with 41 people aboard, including women and children.

The boat had run out of fuel just nine miles from Italy’s SAR zone.

Despite multiple attempts, Maltese authorities failed to respond, the NGO said.

Malta’s SAR zone spans 250,000 square kilometres, roughly the size of the UK. Although its size makes monitoring challenging, lawmakers have resisted reducing it due to its economic benefits.

#MaltaDaily

Storm Expected To Hit Malta This Week

Jan 27 2025 Share

This Wednesday the 29th of January will see stormy and thunderous weather return back to to Malta, after some days of the usual sunny weather.

According to the Malta Airport Forecast, the weather this Wednesday will be windy with thundery showers, whilst the rest of the week looking cloudy and windy.

Possible showers are also expected for Sunday the 2nd of February.

The hottest and sunniest day will be Monday the 27th whilst the coldest will be Wednesday with the lowest temperature being 10°C and the highest being 15°C.

#MaltaDaily

Call For Interested Gyms In Free Youth Membership Now Out

Call For Interested Gyms In Free Youth Membership Now Out
Jan 27 2025 Share

A call for interest has been issued for gym owners to participate in a new initiative announced in Budget 2025.

This measure will offer six months of free gym membership to youths born between 2005 and 2007, fully funded by the Government.

Gym owners interested in participating must submit applications before noon on February 21, 2025. Once operational, eligible youths can apply for a free six-month gym membership, fully paid for by the Government.

The initiative aims to promote a healthier lifestyle, focusing on mental well-being and fostering good nutritional habits.

It aligns with the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation’s broader vision to encourage active lifestyles.

Among the Ministry’s initiatives is a pilot project that increases physical activity in schools. This project, currently involving over 500 classes across five colleges, has been a success and is expected to expand to all colleges within two years.

Minister Clifton Grima highlighted the public consultation strategy launched last year with the Ministry for Health and Active Aging, titled A Strategy for Health-Enhancing Physical Activity.

Interested gyms can apply here.

#MaltaDaily

42 Local Councils To Organise Carnival Activities in Malta & Gozo

42 Local Councils To Organise Carnival Activities in Malta & Gozo
Jan 27 2025 Share

Forty-two Local Councils across Malta and Gozo will host a variety of activities during the Carnival season, supported by funding from the Directorate for Local Government.

These events will include parades, traditional Carnival food celebrations, and other related activities.

The announcement was made by Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici, alongside Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli.

Minister Bonnici highlighted the importance of ensuring Carnival festivities are spread across the country, making this traditional celebration accessible to all, including those unable to travel to Valletta.

He noted that the government is providing increased resources to Local Councils, enabling them to organize high-quality events while expanding the range of activities available.

The Minister emphasized that this initiative goes beyond simply celebrating Carnival, serving as a vital effort to keep Maltese traditions and culture alive and vibrant across Malta and Gozo.

“This investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting events and projects that offer not just entertainment but also foster unity and pride in our cultural heritage,” concluded Minister Bonnici.

Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli echoed these sentiments, stating that this initiative will ensure Carnival festivities reach communities throughout Malta and Gozo, providing everyone with the chance to take part.

“The prepared program of activities reflects the Central Government’s dedication to preserving Maltese traditions and culture in every locality.

This year, we have further strengthened financial aid to Local Councils, equipping them with the resources needed to improve both the quality and scope of their events,” she concluded.

The Carnival-related activities will be held in the localities of Ħ’Attard, Mosta, Naxxar, San Ġwann, San Pawl il-Baħar, Birkirkara, Gżira, Ħal Għargħur, San Ġiljan, Isla, Bormla, Ħaż-Żabbar, Fgura, Floriana, Kalkara, Paola, Ħal Tarxien, Żejtun, Birżebbuġa, Gudja, Ħal Għaxaq, Ħamrun, Ħal Luqa, Marsa, Santa Luċija, Santa Venera, Siġġiewi, Ħad-Dingli, Ħal-Kirkop, Imqabba, Qrendi, Rabat Malta, Ħal Safi, Żurrieq, Għajnsielem, l-Għarb, il-Munxar, San Lawrenz, Ta’ Sannat, Xagħra, Xewkija, and iż-Żebbuġ in Gozo.

#MaltaDaily

Malta daily Facebook 970x90