On 10 June 2023, approximately 50 volunteers from iGEN and Atlam Sub Aqua Club carried out a coastal and seabed cleanup at Fekruna Wharf in Xemxija. The event marked World Ocean Day 2023 and focused on removing accumulated waste from the shoreline and underwater areas.
Volunteer Coordination and Partner Support
Participants were divided into diving, snorkeling, and onshore teams. Underwater crews retrieved materials from the seabed, while land-based volunteers transferred the debris to a dedicated skip on the quayside and cleared the adjacent headland and beach sections. Atlam established a base camp with a canopy and a dive master station to monitor personnel in the water. iGEN supplied sponsored air tanks for the diving operations. EFRU emergency services provided on-site safety coverage and assisted with waste collection. Raniero’s Adventures contributed additional divers and shore personnel. Representatives from Internet Vikings, Aspire Global, Betsson, William Hill/Mr Green, and Betclic joined the effort, helping to fill the skip.The operation was initially scheduled for Manoel Island, but access permit complications required a last-minute relocation. Atlam divers had previously surveyed the Fekruna Wharf zone and identified significant underwater debris, making it a suitable alternative. The day began under overcast skies, a deviation from typical seasonal conditions, but provided cooler working temperatures compared to the previous year’s cleanup.
At 08:45, EFRU vehicles arrived to find their reserved parking spaces occupied by private SUVs and boat trailers. A LESA warden attempted to locate the vehicle owners, after which alternative parking was arranged. One vehicle received a parking ticket, which prompted a response from its owners upon their arrival.
Source: iGEN corporate announcement.