Press ReleasesFrom Gozochannel
GOZO CHANNEL’S PREDECESSOR TO BE RESTORED TO 16/11/2001



16th November 2001

GOZO CHANNEL’S PREDECESSOR TO BE RESTORED TO ITS FORMER GLORY

The “Sacra Famiglia”, a remnant of the Dghajsa tal-Latini, which in the 19th and early 20th century was the only means of communication between Malta and Gozo, is set to be restored to its former glory, with the assistance of Gozo Channel. Once restored, this former passenger and cargo boat will be donated to the Gozo Heritage Society, Wirt Ghawdex as a showcase of the natural heritage of the Maltese Islands. The vessel is then expected to be placed on permanent exhibition in a prominent site in Mgarr Harbour as an added tourist attraction for Gozo. The promoters plan to have an audio/visual presentation of the Dghajsa’s history throughout the years of operations, which will also include the present restoration works. Other memorabilia on the Dghajsa will also be exhibited.

The launching of the project by Gozo Channel was held during a presentation ceremony at Mgarr Harbour, adjacent to where the vessel is currently being restored. The ceremony was addressed by the Hon Minister for Gozo, Mrs Giovanna Debono, the President of “Wirt Ghawdex” Dr Magistrate Paul Coppini and Gozo Channel Chairman, Mr John E. Sullivan.

In his address, Mr Sullivan spoke about Gozo Channel’s commitment to contribute towards the preservation of our natural heritage. As the provider of the ferry services between Malta and Gozo, the company felt that it was its duty to contribute towards the restoration of such a project. Mr Sullivan also thanked Dr Godfrey Gauci Maistre for his initiative and enthusiasm in bringing this project together, as well as the members of Wirt Ghawdex Society for their role in this project. He appealed to all those who have Gozo’s heritage at heart to contribute to the cost of the restoration works. Contribution boxes for the purpose are placed on the Company’s ferries together with a publication of “The Gozo Boat” reprinted by kind permission of the author Mr Joseph Muscat and the publishers Patrimonju Malti. Proceeds from this publication will go towards the cost of the restoration.

Addressing the ceremony, Hon Giovanna Debono stated that “this is yet another ambitious project that Gozo Channel has set itself to undergo. It is certainly a project that due to its financial requisities will involve the collaboration of not only Gozo Channel but hopefully, also other corporations and companies who will seek to involve themselves to sponsor this project for the protection nad preservation of our cultural identity.”

The restoration of the Sacra Famiglia has been entrusted to Mr Peter Caruana of Mgarr, Gozo, son of the original builder of the vessel. The vessel, which has been abandoned for some twenty-five years, will be restored to its original state, including sails and masts and painted in the traditional colours.

The works on the restoration project have been divided into several stages, with the first stage, to include sanding and removal of all remaining painted surfaces on the boat. This will enable the restorer to get a clearer picture of the actual condition of the wooden boards and steel fittings. The worn out boards and fittings will then be replaced using oak and red deal, as well as stainless steel galvanised fittings.

The Sacra Famiglia was built in Kalkara by Joseph and Eugenio Caruana, in 1930 and first registered in 1932, with the number G32. It is 47 feet long, 14 feet at the beam and has a draft of 5.5 feet. It could transport up to 30 tons of cargo between the two islands. During World war 2, it was requisitioned by the militarey and Government and used in Alexandria. This is the first such vessel that was built in a way that could accommodate and work with a mechanical engine other than sails.
- Back To The Press Releases Archive