The Malta Maritime Authority yesterday presented Heritage Malta with 13 historic cannon and an antique buoy.
The presentation was made by Marc Bonello, chairman of Malta Maritime Authority, to Heritage Malta chairman Mario Tabone at the Deep Water Quay in Valletta.
The cannon date between the 17th and 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 turned into bollards at various locations along the Maltese coast until replaced with modern bollards.
The cable-marking buoy dates back to around the 1900s. It is made of steel and is considered to be a unique maritime artifact of that period to have survived in the Maltese islands.
The 13 cannon 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 artifacts to Heritage Malta who has all the necessary expertise and resources to ensure that they are properly restored and kept on display. These objects form part of Malta's rich maritime history and following their restoration, will be able to 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 cannon 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," he said.
The presentation was also attended by Francis Zammit Dimech, Minister for Culture and Tourism, and Censu Galea, Minister for Competitiveness and Communications.