https://vimeo.com/222385667/d939a23ea9First edition of its kind, theEuropean Divers Meeting was a resounding success. Organized from June 5 to 9 jointly on the two inhabited islands of the Maltese archipelago (Malta and Gozo), this event brought together divers from all over Europe (and beyond). Our German colleagues from Taucher.net, an online diving site, initiated the event, assisted by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA or Malta Tourism Authority)).
Thus, under fair weather, conferences, photo workshops, and « safety » workshops led by DAN personnel were offered free of charge to all divers present (more than 150). Several local centers in Malta, such asOrange Shark, and also in Gozo, such as St. Andrew’s Divers Cove, participated in the smooth running of this European Divers Meeting.Seabed cleaning actions were carried out and donations collected for the benefit of an environmental association (« No To Plastic Malta »).
For the occasion, an original action was carried out: on the wreck of the Karwela, one of the three ferries intentionally sunk in the waters of Gozo, a line was fixed, on which the flags of all member countries of the European Union (EU) were hung. With 28 member states counted, this line stretched over no less than 40 meters, a necessary distance to accommodate all the banners. Depth of the wreck (not far from 40 meters), objective length, and average light: our photographer, Nicolas Barraqué, had to showcase all his talent to provide you with the panoramic image of the Karwela draped European colors.
Click the image to enlarge :
The Karwela wreck decorated with the 28 flags of the European Union ©Nicolas Barraqué
It should be noted that this gesture in the glory of Europe had a double symbolic value. Firstly, because the month of June marks the end of the presidency of the Council of the European Union by Malta (ensured in turn by each EU country for a six-month period). Secondly, because it served to remind that the city of Valletta will be the European Capital of Culture 2018.
Finally, this meeting allowed Simon Sciberras, director of the French-speaking center Dive Systems à Malta and president of the Professional Diving Schools Association, to announce that new diving sites are being considered for 2018: « These are World War II wrecks that are deep, between 50 and over 100 meters. As these sites are protected, we need to work with the authorities to ensure their visits are conducted respecting their historical value. That is to say, specifically avoiding the plundering of the ships, which for the most part remain in their « original state ». «
Only the creation of a marine reserve is missing now. A protected marine area worthy of what is being done by Malta’s close European neighbors, such as France, Spain, and Italy.
O. Clot-Faybesse
