Grand Harbour, Valetta, consists of a number of long creeks of deep non-tidal water. Because of this and also because many visiting ships prefer to moor away from the quays (to save money) a 'water-taxi' was developed for carrying passengers and their small baggage across the creeks and to and from the ships.

This 'water-taxi' is the Dghajsa (pronounced dysa). It is usually propelled by one man standing, facing forward, and pushing on two oars. He stands to one side of the craft probably because by doing so he can provide a larger space for baggages, but most Dghajsas are now equipped with outboards.

The high stem and stern pieces seem to be mainly ornamental but they are certainly useful in handling the boat and in the boarding and disembarking of passengers. The decoration follows a strict pattern. The various symbols (eg. 'The hands that defeats the evil eye') vary from boat to boat and the name is frequently a popular heroine - 'Queen Victoria' - or hero, 'Wilson Picket'

This craft was presented to the Association by the Government of Malta.

Wilson Picket

Transport

Dghajsa

1960

Malta

Valetta

Length
21 ft 0 in

Width
5 ft 9 in