It was a typical Sunday afternoon in Sliema, the sun casting a golden glow over the bustling streets. But for Maria’s parents, it was anything but ordinary. They were scanning the crowds, clutching a faded photograph, their hearts heavy with worry. Their daughter, Maria, had been missing for three days.

The Last Sightings

Maria, a vibrant 19-year-old studying at the University of Malta, was last seen leaving her apartment in Msida on Thursday evening. She had mentioned meeting a friend in Valletta, but she never arrived. Her phone has been switched off since.

CCTV footage from the Msida bus terminus shows Maria boarding a bus towards Valletta at around 7 PM. But she never made it to her destination. The bus route takes her past the Three Cities, a historic area with narrow streets and bustling markets. It’s a place where she could easily have lost her way, or worse.

The Search Effort

The Malta Police Force has been tirelessly investigating the case, appealing to the public for any information. They’ve set up a command centre at the Msida police station, and officers have been conducting door-to-door inquiries in the Three Cities and Valletta.

Local volunteers have also joined the search, distributing posters and scouring the streets. The hashtag #FindMaria has been trending on social media, with people sharing the poster and offering support to Maria’s family.

“We’re doing everything we can to find Maria,” says Inspector Joe Borg, leading the investigation. “We’re appealing to anyone who might have seen her, or knows anything, to come forward. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could help.”

What to Do if You Have Information

If you have any information about Maria’s whereabouts, please contact the Malta Police Force on 119 or the Msida police station on 2124 2000. You can also send a message to the official Malta Police Force Facebook page.

Maria’s family has also set up a helpline for anyone who might have seen her. The number is 7905 0000. They urge anyone with information to call, no matter how insignificant it might seem.

“We just want our daughter back,” says Maria’s mother, her voice breaking. “Please, if you know anything, please tell us. We’re desperate for any news.”