14-year-old involved in fatal boat crash undergoes successful surgery

A boy who was critically injured when a boat struck a reef in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq a week ago has undergone successful surgery on Sunday.

Ben Caruana Rizzo, 14, was one of three people aboard the boat when it struck Is-Sikka s-Safra, an underwater reef off Magħtab, on 8 November.  “The period after the operation remains crucial,” Health Minister Ian Borg said in a Facebook post on Sunday.

He said the medical team was closely monitoring Ben’s condition.

His father, Keith Caruana, 48, died shortly after arriving at Mater Dei Hospital. Daniel Buttigieg, 44, was also critically injured and came out of a coma a few days later.

Police said onlookers called for help at around 7:15pm after seeing flares fired from the boat. The Civil Protection Department and the Armed Forces of Malta sent vessels to the scene.

All three were unconscious when rescuers reached them. Rescuers provided medical assistance at the scene before bringing them ashore and taking them to Mater Dei Hospital. Ben’s condition later stabilised.

Magistrate Philip Galea Farrugia opened an inquiry into the crash. Police also launched an investigation.

Borg thanked the Maltese medical staff, the surgeon who travelled from abroad and those continuing to care for Ben. He said his thoughts were with Ben and his family.

Before the operation, Ben’s mother, Yanika Rizzo, shared a prayer asking for guidance for Professor Henk Giele and Mr Casaletto as they carried out the procedure. “May his wounds begin to heal, may his pain ease, and may his body find the strength to recover,” she wrote.