The UK is set to scrap the aircraft carrier Ark Royal, as part of a carrier sharing deal with France. The new deal will allow for France and the UK to operate only one carrier each – modifying them to allow for British (or French) jets to operate from carriers of either nation.

This strategy has been adopted to allow each nation to continue to operate its air cover while a carrier might be in dry dock for repairs.

The name Ark Royal has long been linked to Malta. Before she was sunk, the WII Ark Royal delivered aircraft to Malta to continue the struggle against the Axis forces while she also played a role in shadowing convoys to our islands. She eventually sank off Gibraltar.

Another Ark Royal was commissioned and has visited Malta on more than one occasion. Once she was berthed off St Paul’s islands and sailors and soldiers arrived in Bugibba in their droves. On that occasion, Farsons had to up their production of beer and lager as the servicemen drank the island dry.

On a more recent occasion, the Ark Royal was given a salute by the Royal Battery at the Barrakka, as part of the celebrations that accompanied the visit to Malta by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Yes, the Ark Royal has a lot of history tied to Malta, as does the Royal Navy in general. Sadly, as we have said, the vessel will be decommissioned in the near future and it will be more than likely that it will end up in a ship breaking yard. A very sad end for such a majestic lady.

There have been a few suggestions locally, as to the fate of the Ark Royal. Some have suggested that the British Authorities could ‘donate’ her to Malta as a living naval museum. This is an option. Of course, it would take a fair amount of cash to keep it going, but if properly set out, it could be a winner with tourists and locals alike.

Another possibility, bearing in mind the possibility of her being bought as ‘scrap’ is scuttling her as a diving attraction. And what an attraction she would be. The Ark Royal, on the seabed just off Malta – the diamond of Mediterranean diving.

It is a far-fetched dream, but it is a dream nonetheless. Perhaps the government of Malta could even afford to ‘invest’ in the hulk of the Ark Royal. If kept as a floating museum, it would add to product Malta. If scuttled, even more so.