Over two hundred volunteers, dozens of boats, and an extraordinary collective mobilization to defend the seas of the La Maddalena archipelago from plastic and submerged waste. The sixteenth edition of "Arcipelago No Limits," the environmental day promoted by the association "An Archipelago Without Plastic," dedicated to cleaning the coasts and seabeds of the islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago-National Park, concluded with a significant result.
The discovery of two shells, likely dating back to World War II, on the seabed of Porto Madonna, one of the most popular tourist areas during the summer, is a sensation. The devices, located at a depth of just three to four meters by two divers, immediately triggered safety procedures. The Coast Guard, present with Commander Vanacore, Deputy Commander D'Istria, and two patrol boats, informed the Navy: in the coming days, divers will conduct further inspections to determine whether other munitions are buried beneath the sand.
The diving centers of La Maddalena and Cannigione, along with other divers from La Maddalena and Palau, were involved in the underwater operations. Four tons of iron, cables, pieces of boats, and even the bows of vessels were recovered from the seabed. The event involved volunteers from various towns in Sardinia, including Olbia, Santa Teresa, Cannigione, Marrubiu, Sestu, and Sassari; the Decomar shipping company offered them free passage. Logistical support for the operations was crucial, provided by four motor vessels, over twenty inflatable boats, and the presence of the Coast Guard and the Guardia di Finanza.
Despite the illness that struck one of the organizers, who was promptly treated, the day ended on a very positive note: according to initial estimates, approximately four tons of material were collected and disposed of between La Maddalena and Santa Teresa. After the traditional final lunch, there was also time for recognition of the participants and a memorial service officiated by Father Umberto Deriu in memory of the friends who have passed away.