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*Sigh*
Sad news…
This morning, the Azure Window collapsed into the sea after intense storms. The entire top portion and the column to the side both fell to the sea with a loud smash. Extremely strong gale force winds swept across Malta in the last few days, resulting in intense and vicious waves pounding against the Azure Window, which was more than likely one of the main factors in its collapse.
The Azure Window was a natural arch that looked like a majestic table over the sea and I feel privileged to have been one of the last people to see and photograph it. Even though a lot of people say, “It’s just a rock,” which it is, but to the Maltese people, this was an iconic landmark to their country and it has been around for many years as a top tourist site as well. It was one of the sites I was super excited to visit and photograph throughout my travels through Malta just a few weeks ago.
Natural erosion was inevitable, but it was never under any imminent danger of collapsing yet. Geologists actually said that the Azure Window should still survive a few decades…unfortunately, not the case. Officials put up numerous signs to warn people to keep off the top to help slow down erosion, but people failed to listen.
Read more: Throttle therapy – Exploring the Island of Gozo on an ATV
Irresponsible tourists have been seen and filmed jumping from the top of the arch, which dislodged massive chunks of rock in the process. It’s a lucky thing nobody was on the top at the time of the collapse, or it would’ve made for an even worse news story.
Such a sad day to know that this beautiful site is now gone forever, but it’ll live on in many photos and memories of the people who got to see it.
Read more: What is responsible tourism & why is it so important?
For a little lighthearted humour on the issue, The Times of Malta posted this.
Have any of you had the opportunity to visit the Azure Window during your travels? Let me know in the comments below. xo
You can definitely see your expertise in the article you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to say how they believe. At all times go after your heart.|
Hello. Great job. I did not anticipate this. This is a fantastic story. Thanks!