Critically injured after his boat ran aground off Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq a week ago, 14-year-old Ben Caruana Rizzo underwent successful surgery on Sunday.
The crash into the reef known as Is-Sikka s-Safra claimed the life of the boy’s father, 48-year-old Keith Caruana, Times of Malta reported. Another man involved in the collision, Daniel Buttigieg, suffered critical injuries and regained consciousness from a coma days after the impact.
Health Minister Ian Borg stated via a social media post that the coming few days are critical for the young patient. Doctors maintain continuous vigilance to monitor his clinical progress closely.
Borg expressed gratitude toward the clinical team involved, which included a specialized surgeon who flew in specifically for the procedure. He extended his wishes for a swift recovery and conveyed solidarity with all families affected by the tragedy.
Prior to the operation, the boy’s mother, Yanika Rizzo, shared a public prayer for her son’s survival and recovery.
“Heavenly Father, today, I place our precious Ben into Your loving hands. Lord, I ask You with all my heart to guide Professor Henk Giele and Mr Casaletto as they perform this important surgery.”
“Bless their hands with extraordinary skill, their minds with clarity, and their hearts with wisdom. Guide every decision they make, every movement of their hands, and every step of this delicate procedure,” she wrote.
The patient faces a delicate recovery phase following the intervention. Medical staff continue intensive oversight to manage potential surgical complications and stabilize his vital functions.
Buttigieg emerged from a coma days after the accident occurred off the Maltese coast.
Authorities have not yet released further specifics regarding the exact nature of the surgical procedures performed. Hospital teams remain focused on managing the acute trauma sustained during the boat grounding.
