Comino Wreck Removal: Storm Harry’s Legacy Lifted
Storm Harry’s Legacy Lifted: Comino Wreck Finally Removed
As the sun rose over the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean on Monday, a stark change greeted the eyes of early morning swimmers and boaters. The hulking wreck of the MV Karwela, a victim of Storm Harry’s wrath in 2007, was finally gone from the waters off Comino.
From Storm to Salvage: A Decade of Debate
The MV Karwela’s fateful journey began on February 12, 2007, when Storm Harry battered Malta’s coasts. The 33-meter-long passenger ferry, built in 1954, was moored at the Grand Harbour in Valletta. Despite efforts to secure it, the storm’s relentless force tore it from its moorings, sending it on a collision course with Comino.
The wreck has since been a contentious issue. Some saw it as an eyesore, a hazard to navigation, and an environmental risk. Others, however, argued it had become an artificial reef, attracting marine life and divers. The debate raged on for years, with various proposals for its removal or preservation.
Operation Blue Horizon: The Final Chapter
Last week, after years of discussions and planning, the Malta Maritime Administration (MMA) and the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) launched Operation Blue Horizon. The goal: to finally remove the MV Karwela wreck.
The operation involved a team of specialist divers from the AFM’s Diving Section, who meticulously prepared the wreck for lifting. They drilled holes to allow water to flow in and out, preventing the wreck from floating back to the surface. Then, on Sunday, a massive crane barge, the ‘Big Lift 2’, moved into position.
The lifting process was a delicate one. The crane’s hook was secured to the wreck, and with a slow, steady pull, the MV Karwela was lifted from its watery grave. Cheers erupted from the nearby AFM patrol boat as the wreck was hoisted clear of the water, revealing the sandy seabed beneath.
What’s Next for Comino’s Waters?
With the MV Karwela gone, the debate now turns to what comes next. Some are calling for the area to be developed as a marine protected area, preserving the unique ecosystem that has grown around the wreck. Others suggest it could be the perfect spot for a new dive site, attracting tourists to explore the underwater world.
For now, though, the waters off Comino are quieter, the view clearer. The legacy of Storm Harry has finally been lifted, and a new chapter in the island’s maritime history begins.
As one local diver put it, “It’s like saying goodbye to an old friend. But it’s time for Comino’s waters to shine again.”
