An emotional message of hope and solidarity has been shared as 14-year-old Ben undergoes a delicate and critical operation, days after being seriously injured in the tragic boat accident off Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq.In a heartfelt Facebook post, EJ Vella recalled a moment shared with Ben just weeks earlier, when the two held hands and prayed during a turbulent flight.“A few weeks ago, during a turbulent flight, we held our hands together and prayed for a safe landing,” Vella wrote.“Today, we face a different kind of turbulence. But this time, we are not praying alone. Thousands of people out there are sharing our prayers, hopes, and faith.”The message comes five days after Ben’s mother confirmed that her son was in a stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mater Dei Hospital, although she warned that he faced a difficult road to recovery.“As you undergo today’s delicate and critical operation, our greatest wish is that everything goes well and that this marks the beginning of your long road to recovery,” Vella continued.“We are here, every step of the way.”Ben was among three people aboard a boat that ran aground on Sikka s-Safra, off Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, in an accident that tragically claimed the life of a 48-year-old man from Mellieħa. Another man, aged 44, was also seriously injured.Emergency services were alerted after distress flares were spotted coming from the vessel, prompting a major rescue operation involving the Armed Forces of Malta, Civil Protection Department, police and medical teams.In the hours following the accident, Ben’s mother made a heartbreaking public appeal for prayers as her son fought for his life.“Fight Ben. Pls keep fighting as I can’t do life without you,” she wrote.“Don’t give up on me pls. Pls pls pls pray for my son.”Days later, she shared a more hopeful update, thanking everyone who had reached out to the family and expressing her determination to remain strong.“We never give up,” she wrote.The Mediterranean College of Sport, where Ben is a Year 10 student-athlete, also expressed its support for the teenager and his family.“Today, our thoughts are with Ben. Our hearts are with his family,” the school wrote.As Ben undergoes this latest critical procedure, Vella’s message reflects the prayers and support surrounding the teenager as he continues his fight towards recovery. Stay strong, Ben. Malta is rooting for you.•