Malta: Search for Missing Teen Maria Azzopardi Enters 7th Week

Six Weeks Later: Search Continues for Missing Teen

It’s been 42 days since 16-year-old Maria Azzopardi was last seen in Msida, and the search for the missing teen shows no signs of slowing down. The quiet residential street where she lived with her family has been a hive of activity, with police and volunteers scouring the area, desperate for any clue that could lead to her whereabouts.

Last Known Sightings

Maria was last seen on the evening of February 15th, near the Msida Marina. She had been out with friends earlier that day but decided to head home alone around 7 pm. CCTV footage captured her walking along the Triq l-Imqabba, but she never made it to her house just a few minutes away.

Her mother, Rosanne, recalls the last time she saw her daughter. “She had been in a good mood that day. We had no reason to believe she wouldn’t come home. But when she didn’t, we knew something was wrong.” Rosanne’s voice wavers as she speaks, her eyes welling up with tears.

Community United

The local community has rallied around the Azzopardi family, with volunteers joining the search efforts daily. Tony Borg, a long-time resident of Msida, has been coordinating the volunteer search parties. “We’re not giving up hope,” he says, determination in his voice. “We’ll keep searching until Maria is found.”

Social media has also played a significant role in raising awareness about Maria’s disappearance. The hashtag #FindMaria has been trending on Maltese social media platforms, with users sharing posters and encouraging others to join the search.

Police Appeal for Information

The Malta Police Force has issued an appeal for anyone with information to come forward. Superintendent Mark Attard urges anyone who may have seen Maria or knows anything about her disappearance to contact the police immediately.

“We are following every lead, no matter how small,” he says. “We need the public’s help to bring Maria home safely.”