Half tonne of debris recovered from seabed at Ċirkewwa

Volunteers, divers, NGOs and government personnel recovered around half a tonne of debris from the seabed at Ċirkewwa yesterday.

Around 70 volunteers, joined by 10 members of the armed forces and civil protection department, took part in the operation, collecting over 500kg of debris from the seabed at the area’s south quay.

In a statement, St John Ambulance and Rescue – which organised the clean-up in collaboration with Coast is Clear and Calypso Sub Aqua – said the collection had “significantly contributed to marine conservation efforts and improving diving safety” in the area.

The operation saw divers and boat operators involved in retrieval operations in the water, with volunteers on land sorting the recovered waste.

Photo: St John Ambulance and Rescue.

Photo: St John Ambulance and Rescue.

St John Ambulance and Rescue said the event was one of its “key deliverables” following the purchase of a coastal rescue truck financed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector.

“Additionally, a series of awareness campaigns have been launched on social media, promoting diving safety, coastal protection, and environmental conservation”, the organisation said.

Photo: St John Ambulance and Rescue.

Volunteers were supported by the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), Civil Protection Department (CPD) and Ċirkewwa Marine Park Divers.

Organisers extended special thanks to Transport Malta, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), Mellieħa Local Council and the police “for their assistance and collaboration”.

Refreshments were provided by Farsons, and equipment by Watercolours Dive Centre and Dive Systems Limited.

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg and Inclusion Minister Julia Farrugia attended the event, where they highlighted the role of NGOs and volunteers in environmental protection and the importance of protecting Malta’s seas.