Comino Arch Collapse: Kayaker’s Warning Ignored

Comino’s Iconic Arch Collapses: Kayaker’s Warning Ignored

Imagine paddling through the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, the sun warming your back, and suddenly spotting a hairline crack in one of Malta’s most iconic landmarks. This was the reality for local kayaker, Maria Grech, two weeks before the collapse of the famous Comino arch.

Crack in the Arch

Maria, an experienced kayaker and environmental activist, was exploring the coastline of Comino on March 15 when she noticed something amiss. “I was about 50 meters away from the arch when I saw it,” she recalls. “It was a thin, jagged line running vertically along the base of the arch.” Concerned, she immediately reported her findings to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA).

However, her warning fell on deaf ears. MEPA, responsible for the protection and management of Malta’s natural heritage, failed to act on her report. “I received an automated reply acknowledging my email,” Maria says, “but that was it. No follow-up, no inspection, nothing.”

Arch Collapses

Two weeks later, on March 30, the arch collapsed, leaving behind a pile of rubble and a wave of shock and sadness among locals and tourists alike. The arch, a symbol of Malta’s unique scene, was a popular spot for kayakers, snorkelers, and divers. Its loss has left many questioning what could have been done to prevent its collapse.

Dr. Joseph Galea, a geologist at the University of Malta, believes that the collapse was likely due to a combination of factors, including erosion, marine activity, and possibly even human impact. “The arch was already weakened by natural processes,” he explains. “But human activities, like kayaking and diving, could have exacerbated the situation.”

Lessons Learned

In the wake of the collapse, there’s been an outpouring of grief and anger. Many are questioning why more wasn’t done to protect the arch. “We need to learn from this,” says Maria. “We need to listen to the warnings, act on them, and do everything we can to protect our natural heritage.”

MEPA has since issued a statement expressing regret for the collapse and promising a full investigation. But for many, the damage has already been done. “We’ve lost a piece of our history,” says local historian, Dr. Anthony Borg. “But we must ensure that this loss wasn’t in vain. We must learn from it and protect what’s left of our unique scene.”