The mother of one of the two young men who were rescued two days after being reported missing thanked all those who helped in the search and rescue operation, particularly the fisherman who spotted the youngsters clinging to rocks.

Kerstin Panzavecchia, mother of Nick Johnson, took to Facebook to speak about the ordeal and give her thanks.

“I would like to publically thank from my heart all my friends, family and people who just came forward for all their kind words and full support in helping find my son Nick and his friend Mark who went missing since Friday at Bahrija.

“Thanks to all the Police involved for their quick intervention, the boys who forwarded their mobiles to the Rabat police station, the AFM, the Civil Protection and the K9 Unit.

“Thanks also to Paul Vincenti and his sister Francesca Vincenti for organising the drone group, John Gera for his rescue K9 team, the medical doctor on site who took me to Cirkewwa, Michelle Mahoney from Skypeople Malta for informing all pilots flying to keep a look out and all who went out of their way and own free will searching on foot and by boat. Also thanks to the ambulances and the staff at Mater Dei, all local newspapers for keeping everybody updated.

“Last but not least our HERO MR TONY ZAMMIT who was fishing and found them alive and assisted them. THANKS ALL”

Nick Johnson, 19 from Birzebbuga and Mark Petric, 21 from Serbia were rescued this morning after being reported missing on Saturday.