X-Ray Mag

Malta & Gozo

Rare Phoenician wreck site in Malta

Words
Edited by G. Symes
Due to its deep depth at 110m, the wreck site off Xlendi Bay at Gozo Island required innovative methods to be developed for deep-water archaeology.
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During an underwater cultural heritage mapping survey in Malta in 2007, researchers noticed an unusual feature in the sonar data. This anomaly stood out due to its size, shape, and the possibility of human-made objects. Further investigation confirmed the presence of an ancient 2,700-year-old shipwreck.

Malta: Protecting an Underwater Heritage

Words
Michael Salvarezza and Christopher P. Weaver
Images
Michael Salvarezza and Christopher P. Weaver
Diver at the smokestack of the El-Faroud wreck
Diver at the smokestack of the El-Faroud wreck
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In the waters of Malta, an island nation that sits in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, there are deep historical shipwrecks dating back to ancient times, to the First and Second World Wars, and up to the present day. Michael Salvarezza and Christopher P. Weaver share their exploration of some of Malta’s wrecks and reefs.

Arthur Castillo had his conviction quashed after the court gave a different interpretation to the “buddy system” which had been a crucial factor in his previous conviction
Arthur Castillo had his conviction quashed after the court gave a different interpretation to the “buddy system” which had been a crucial factor in his previous conviction

Appeals court clears diver of involuntary manslaughter of diving buddy

1 year ago By Chief minion

On Friday 25 November 2022, a lower court found diver Arthur Castillo, 60, guilty of the involuntary homicide of his long-time dive buddy Christine Gauci, who died following a dive in Mgarr ix-Xini, a bay on the southern coast of Gozo in January 2020. Gauci was an Armed Forces of Malta member, diving instructor and technical diver.

In a ruling that caused outrage in the diving community, the lower court handed Castillo a two-year jail term suspended for four years, which was immediately appealed.

St. Andrews Divers Cove

At St. Andrew's Divers Cove, we feel honoured and privileged to be situated in Xlendi Bay, one of Malta and Gozo's most picturesque fishing villages, a stone's throw from the water's edge. Our bay is ideal for beginner dives, night dives and dive courses.

Was justice served or perverted?

Implications of Maltese Court Ruling on Diving Fatality

1 year ago By Chief minion

On Friday 25 November, diver Arthur Castillo, 60, was found guilty of the involuntary homicide of his long-time dive buddy Christine Gauci who died following a dive in Mgarr ix-Xini, a bay on the southern coast of Gozo in January 2020. Ms Gauci was an Armed Forces of Malta member, diving instructor and technical diver.

The court handed Mr. Castillo a two-year jail term suspended for four years, pronouncing itself convinced that this case did not merit effective imprisonment. Castillo told Times of Malta he will be appealing the judgment but declined further comment.

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