A team of Italian divers, including members from the police, coast guard, and four other specialized forces, conducted a meticulous cleaning of the “Christ of the Abyss,” a 2.5-meter bronze statue submerged off Italy’s Ligurian coast since 1954. Located 300 meters from the shore between Portofino and Camogli at a depth of 18 meters, this iconic statue, crafted by artist Guido Galletti, is the Mediterranean’s most frequented dive site, attracting divers, kayakers, and paddleboarders alike.

The statue, depicting Christ with arms raised in blessing, was created as a memorial to those lost at sea, forged from melted-down medals, cannons, and ships of Italy’s fallen World War II soldiers. Its symbolic significance extends beyond Italy, with similar statues erected off Key Largo, Florida, and in Grenada.

The annual cleaning, performed with pressurized seawater hoses, removes corrosive crustaceans and bacteria without harming the bronze or the marine ecosystem. According to Alessandra Cabella, an art historian from the Ligurian archaeology superintendent’s office, the process dislodges microorganisms back into the sea, ensuring “zero impact on the environment.” She noted the presence of curious fish observing the operation, underscoring its ecological harmony.

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This water-blasting technique, in use since 2004, replaced an earlier method of scraping the statue with metal brushes, which caused irreparable damage to the bronze patina, creating crevices that accelerated marine growth. The statue’s fragility is compounded by its internal structure—cement and iron rods used for stabilization have contributed to internal corrosion, necessitating careful maintenance.

The “Christ of the Abyss,” situated in the bay of San Fruttuoso, remains a potent symbol of sacrifice and a testament to Italy’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. The cleaning operation, overseen by the archaeological office of Italy’s Culture Ministry, ensures the statue’s longevity while maintaining the delicate balance of the surrounding marine environment.

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