Rescue operation in Gozo

We have had a fantastic time over the last couple of weeks anchoring around Malta and Gozo in some stunning bays. The snorkelling has been excellent. We also caught up with some friends, Simon and Martin, who live in Malta and whom we haven’t seen since our last visit 3 years ago. Gozo’s coastline is particularly memorable, lined with huge caves which we explored by dinghy, some stretched back 100 metres. There is also an incredible inland sea, reached through a narrow but very high cleft in the rocks. Once through it opens up and is bordered by fishing huts, quite a surprise.

In one anchorage, a bay almost entirely enclosed by high cliffs, a motorboat came alongside and told us they were sinking. A helicopter then began circling and dropped a man into the water. After a discussion with the captain he was hoisted up again and they left. Nic ended up ferrying the 18 passengers to shore in our dinghy and lent them a pump together with assistance. In the meantime a police boat arrived and left, shortly followed by the coastguard who seemed more interested in paperwork than any practical help. Several hours later, when enough water had been pumped out of the bilges, the motorboat managed to get an engine running and head home.