Storm Harry’s Legacy Lifted: Comino Wreck Finally Removed

If you’ve ever taken a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, you’ve likely seen it – the rusting hulk of a ship, a stark contrast to the crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches of Comino. The wreck, a remnant of Storm Harry that battered Malta’s coast in 1992, has finally been removed after nearly three decades.

From Storm to Shipwreck

The story of this wreck begins on January 14, 1992, when Storm Harry, one of Malta’s worst storms on record, lashed the islands. The storm, packing winds of up to 120km/h, caused widespread damage and left two people dead. Among the storm’s victims was a cargo ship, the ‘Albacora’, which was driven onto the rocks at Comino’s Santa Maria Bay.

The wreck was left to rust, becoming a popular spot for divers and a grim reminder of the storm’s fury. Efforts to remove it were thwarted by various challenges, including the remote location and the environmental impact of removal. But finally, after nearly 30 years, the wreck is gone.

Operation Clean-Up

The removal operation, carried out by local company GEM Marine Services, was no small feat. It involved cutting the ship into sections, lifting them out of the water, and transporting them to a shipyard in Marsaxlokk for recycling. The process took several weeks and required careful planning to minimize environmental impact.

“It was a complex job,” said Joe Xuereb, the project manager. “The wreck was in shallow water, and we had to be careful not to damage the reef or cause any pollution. But we’re pleased to have finally removed it.”

Comino’s Future

The removal of the wreck is a significant step in restoring Comino’s natural beauty. The island, a popular tourist destination, is now one wreck lighter. But the work is not over. Environmentalists are calling for further clean-up efforts to remove debris left behind by the wreck and other sources.

“This is a great start,” said Mark Mallia of the Malta-based NGO BirdLife. “But there’s still more work to be done. We need to keep our seas clean for the sake of our wildlife and our tourists.”

With the Albacora gone, Comino’s waters are one step closer to their pre-Storm Harry state. It’s a reminder that even in the face of nature’s fury, we can work to restore what’s been lost.