HSBC throws its assets at sea to help the environment

Over 100 kilogrammes of waste were recovered from the seabed at Il-Fossa, also known as Jews Sally Port, in Valletta, by a group of 22 HSBC employees as part of a clean-up campaign organised by the HSBC Cares For The Environment Fund.

The employees who volunteered to take part in the clean-up operation at a depth of six metres were given an introductory course in diving by the Watercolours Dive Centre, based at the Excelsior Hotel.

The diving school also participated in the clean-up, removing all kinds of waste from the seabed, ranging from glass and plastic bottles to food wrappers, containers and even a spin dryer. Small marine creatures found in the waste collected were returned to their natural environment, a bank spokesman said.

Il-Fossa was specifically chosen because of its significance, particularly for Maltese and tourist divers. Close by lies HMS Maori, which was bombed on February 14, 1942, in the Valletta harbour. The Maori had helped crack the code to sink the Bismarck. Originally it blocked a major shipping lane so it was towed out of the way, breaking in two in the process.