Luzzu Luzzu A luzzu () is a traditional fishing boat from the Maltese islands. They are usually painted in bright colours, while the bow has a pair of eyes. Luzzus have existed since ancient times. The word "luzzu" derives from the Sicilian "guzzu" (which itself is derived from the Italian "guzzo"). A "guzzu" or "guzzo" is a common fishing or transport vessel used in Italy and Sicily. The plural of "luzzu" is "lzuz". Luzzus are sturdy boats with a double-ended hull. The design of the Luzzu, like that of another Maltese boat, the "dgħajsa", is believed to date back to Phoenician
Luzzu while at sea. On 30 October 1948, a luzzu that was being used as a Gozo ferry capsized and sunk off Ħondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo. 23 people were killed. The town of Marsaxlokk is especially famous for the large numbers of luzzu and similar craft operating in its harbour. The luzzu is often considered as a symbol of Malta. Some luzzi have been converted to passenger carriers for tourists although the vast majority continue to be used as fishing vessels. A "kajjik" is similar in appearance and function to the luzzu, but has a square transom instead of a double-ended hull.