Labour MP sees ‘funny side’ to Gnejna ordeal

Recovering from yesterday's ordeal, Labour MP Marlene Farrugia is now seeing the funny side to an incident that found her being swamped by jellyfish at Gnejna bay.

"I'm stung all over but I do see the hilarious side of it," she said today.

Farrugia made headlines when members of the Civil Protection Department were called in to save her after she could not find a way out off a rock ledge.

Posting on Facebook, the Zurrieq-born politician said she and her son had always enjoyed going for walks along "ruggedly, serene places" such as Ghar Lapsi and Fomm ir-Rih and this walk had been one of many.

But at one point, the two came across a spot which they found difficult to cross. Her son, "being a better climber", preferred to continue walking while she chose to cross by swimming. Farrugia said being born in Zurrieq, she grew up loving the sea and swimming all year round.

"Already familiar with wild sea, I decided it would be better for me to swim rather than turn back and spoil my son's hike. I practised what I preach and found my way around the obstacle with the intention of meeting my son on other side and resume our walk," she said.

Farrugia however did not realise that the sea was swamped with jellyfish until she actually felt the stings.

"I did not see the jellyfish until I felt their strands surround me and the stings, by which time I was in the middle of the bay and my only hope was a dash for the other side," she said. She turned back to shore and her son hauled her up on the other side. The low rock from where she could climb was too slippery for a grip.

"And the jellyfish who thought I was their manna from the heavens to feast on were swarming around me and I was thrashing around," Farrugia said.

The mother and son tried to get boats from the hotel or Gnejna, as "it did not make sense" to attempt crossing the clay cliffs as the weather was worsening. "My son wanted to go back the way we went down but I thought it was too risky for either of us as falling into the sea could have proven dangerous," she said. The two decided that the best option was to call 112.

But while the two were stranded at Gnejna, a Times of Malta reporter happened to call Farrugia asking for her comment on a current issue. At that point, the MP said she would give her comments after reading the article and explained that she was currently waiting to be rescued.

Once at the hotel, Farrugia got back to The Times who in return called her requesting details about her incident. "Since I'm a public figure and the Civil Protection had been called in, I thought it was my duty to give them an explanation," she said.

But no sooner had the media outlets picked up the story, Farrugia's incident made the rounds on social media, many poking fun at the MP.

"Some blogger proved to be more stingy than the jellyfish as they spun and spun and ridiculed me to their heart's content... I forgive them and wish them a great year," she said.

"I'm stung all over but I do see the hilarious side of it. Glad I got my son home safe, and glad I made you start the year with a smile!"