A Tribute to Nine Workers Who Went to Earn Their Daily Bread and Never
Returned” – GWU Secretary-General Josef Bugeja
Today marks 30 years since the tragic Um El Faroud disaster, which claimed the
lives of nine dockyard workers.
On February 3, 1995, a Libyan fuel tanker, which transported fuel between Libya and
Italy, exploded while docked at Dock No. 3 for repairs. The explosion resulted in the
immediate deaths of seven workers: George Aquilina (24) from Ħal Qormi, Charles
Callus (46) from Valletta, Mario Hales (39) from Mqabba, Simon Mifsud (26) from
Birgu, Simon Pisani (22) from Msida, Angelo Sciberras (51) from Ħaż-Żabbar, and
Anthony Vassallo (29) from Ħad-Dingli.
Two additional workers, Paul Seguna (36) from Ħaż-Żebbuġ and George Xuereb
(57) from Ħal Qormi, succumbed to their injuries days later at St. Luke’s Hospital.
In 1998, the vessel was intentionally sunk off the coast of Wied iż-Żurrieq, where it
now serves as a popular diving attraction.
Commemorating the Fallen
Yesterday morning, the Bormla Local Council held a ceremony on Triq Daħlet it-Tlett
Ibliet to commemorate the 30th anniversary of this tragic event. Attendees laid
wreaths at the foot of a monument dedicated to the dockyard workers who lost their
lives while working on the Um El Faroud.
During his address, Bormla Mayor Marco Agius paid tribute to the memory of these
fallen workers, acknowledging their sacrifice in the line of duty. The ceremony
concluded with the playing of the Last Post and a minute of silence.
The event was attended by GWU Secretary-General Josef Bugeja and GWU Metal
and Construction Section Secretary Jesmond Marshall.
Remembering Their Sacrifice Speaking to the press, Josef Bugeja emphasized the importance of remembering these workers: “We are here to pay tribute to these nine men who, 30 years ago, left their homes to earn their daily bread but never returned.
The GWU commemorates this tragedy every year as a mark of respect to the victims and their families.”
Jesmond Marshall also shared his reflections, noting that certain events in history
leave a lasting impact: “Everyone remembers where they were when they first heard
about the Um El Faroud tragedy 30 years ago. We are here today to honour these
workers on the 30th anniversary of this tragedy. Gone but never forgotten. Their
families will never forget the loved ones who left for work that day and never came
home.”