Events:
Zonqor Point
The Scuttling Of The Tugs Off Zonqor Point
Date: 16'th May 1998
James Cameron's TITANIC was not the inspiration for the scuttling of two tugboats off Zonqor Point, in the mouth of Marsascala Bay. The scuttling of the two vessels, on a sand bank in 21 metres of water, signified the conclusion of one of the Maltese diving community's long-term projects.
The first of the tugs in question is the St Michael, a 'Tanac' type 20-metre long vessel, built in 1944 by a Canadian company. The other craft is the smaller Number 10, a 'Melita' type 16-metre long vessel. Both served for many years by towing numerous ships around the Grand Harbour. Prior to their scuttling, the tugs, donated by the Cassar Group of Companies, were laid up at Jetties Wharf and subsequently sunk at their mooring, remaining partly submerged for many years.
Video footage of the author swimming alongside the St Michael, a few minutes after its scuttling. (Click on the picture to view the footage) |
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Anthony Cassar, managing
director of the Cassar group, not only donated the vessels, but
also offered to carry out the cleaning operation and eventual
scuttling which was effected, once the Planning Authority gave
the permission for the project to proceed. For the 2,500 local
divers this was good news and certainly a big achievement.
Charles Cassar, director of the Cassar Group, directed the
scuttling operation.