Tomorrow, Saturday, the 15th of August, the Feast of Santa Marija, marks the 84th anniversary of the arrival of the Santa Marija convoy into Malta. It is commemorated as a great episode of Maltese history.

This convoy, officially known as – Operation Pedestal – saved Malta from surrender when the allied convoy of food and fuel reached the islands on the 15th of August 1942, despite the heavy bombardment inflicted by German and Italian planes and the sinking of many of the ships.

The Ohio tanker and its escort barely made it to Malta, but these ships provided vital supplies to save Malta from surrender.President Myriam Spiteri Debono, addressed a ceremony held this week with memorial wreath-laying service to remember those lost at sea during World War II in a bid to save Malta, organised by the Royal British Legion, Malta GC Branch

The President, called for a peaceful solution to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, based on international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) which recognises the right of free passage to facilitate international maritime navigation.

President Myriam Spiteri Debono also recalled the duty of world leaders ”to work towards a solution not only to conflicts but also to other challenges such as climate change, which lead to an increase in food prices, inflation and has a negative impact on economic growth, with the consequence of affecting the quality of life of citizens.”

Photos: Office of the President/Francis Debono

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