The Malta Maritime Authority yesterday presented Heritage Malta with 13 historic cannons and an antique buoy.

The presentation was made by Dr Marc Bonello, chairman of Malta Maritime Authority to Heritage Malta chairman Dr Mario Tabone during a media event at the Deep Water Quay in Valletta.

The presentation was also attended by Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech and Competitiveness and Communications Minister Censu Galea.

The 13 cannons date between the 17th to early 19th centuries and most of them had been originally placed on the bastions around the Grand Harbour or utilised on the naval fleets of the Order of St John. Consequently they were used by the Royal Navy, following which they were then utilised as bollards at various locations along the Maltese coast until replaced with modern bollards.

The cable marking buoy on the other hand, dating back to around the 1900s, is made of steel and is considered to be a unique maritime artifact to have survived in the Maltese islands dating to that period.

The 13 cannons will be transferred to Fort Mosta where they will be kept in storage until properly identified, catalogued and restored. The cable marking buoy will be on display at the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa.

Speaking during the presentation, Dr Bonello said: “We are delighted to hand over these prestigious historic artefacts to Heritage Malta who has all the necessary expertise and resources to ensure that these are properly restored and kept on display. These objects form part of Malta’s rich maritime history and following their restoration, can be enjoyed as an important part of our heritage by the public and tourists alike.”

Dr Tabone thanked Dr Bonello and the MMA for the donation. Sadly, he said, hundreds of cannons have been lost to the national patrimony for various reasons. These items bear witness to the turbulent history of our country and the central role it played in Mediterranean affairs.

Heritage Malta, the national agency for museums, conservation practice and cultural heritage, calls on the public and institutions to follow the example of the MMA and donate items of our cultural heritage to the national agency for study, conservation and eventual display and access to the public. This would help to continue to enrich the national collections for the benefit of all. “We look forward to further collaboration between the MMA and the Maritime Section of Heritage Malta,” Dr Tabone said.

During the presentation, Mr Galea said that he is proud of the interest being shown by the Malta Maritime Authority.

“This is another project that the MMA is investing in to safeguard our cultural and historical treasures”. Minister Galea also added that, apart from this contribution with Heritage Malta, the MMA has also collaborated with other non-governmental organisations towards the preservation of our historic monuments.

Dr Zammit Dimech said that the Maltese people are becoming more aware of our country’s heritage.

“Malta is a country with 7,000 years of history. For years, parts of our national heritage were either neglected, or worse, damaged. Today we are investing in the restoration and the rehabilitation of our monuments. Millions were already invested in the Hypogeum, the Domus Romana and other historical sites whilst other huge investments are earmarked for the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples and the Ggantija temples. No component of our historical heritage should be left unprotected,” said Minister Zammit Dimech.