Police apprehend divers lifting historic artifacts

Three divers have been recently apprehended by the Police lifting historic remains from the sea-bed in Marsamxett Harbour, off the waterpolo pitch. The Valletta Police station responded quickly to an anonymous tip-off made through the National Museum of Archaeology, and conducted a search as soon as the divers came out of the water.

Pilfering historic remains lying on land or on the sea-bed is a criminal offence, since all historic artifacts are protected by the Antiquities Act (Chapter 54, Laws of Malta). Any person caught infringing this law is liable to prosecution. Remains varying in date from prehistoric to Second World War fall equally under the protection of the Antiquities Act. The material being removed in this case dated back to the late 19th and early 20th century. The artifacts being lifted included ceramic smoking-pipes, glass bottles and jars, saucers, bowls and ink-bottles. Although much older artifacts exist, these relatively modern remains are equally considered to be of archaeological value.

All remains have a story to tell and make possible the reconstruction of a country's past. In Malta, that past goes back at least 7,000 years. Illicit removal of artifacts prevents the public from sharing in the enjoyment and knowledge of the discovery of part of its heritage. Maltese law states that no person may conduct an excavation in Maltese waters without government authorisation, while any artifacts found must be left undisturbed and reported at once to the Museums Department. Most of these ancient relics need proper conservation treatment, without which they usually deteriorate, to be lost for ever.

Anyone can play a role in preserving and rediscovering the nation's rich archaeological heritage, by reporting any finds of possible historical interest, be they on land or under water. In doing so the public may make a significant contribution to the protection of the national heritage.

The objects seized by the Police at Marsamxett are now being safely de-salinated at the National Museum of Archaeology; later on they will be examined and eventually displayed in one of the museums managed by the Department.

The Museums Department is always ready to help the public with queries regarding the reporting of discoveries. Further information and forms for the reporting of archaeological remains may be found at all serious diving clubs and centres, as well as from the National Museum of Archaeology, tel. 239545.