Maltese marine archaeologist Timmy Gambin has just been awarded the trophy Trofeo del Mare – trophy of the sea – organised annually by the province of Ragusa in Sicily.

The citation accompanying the award notes that Dr Gambin received the award: “For having directed underwater archaeological research in Malta and other parts of the Mediterranean. In the course of this research, Dr Gambin has contributed to the discovery of numerous ancient shipwrecks as well as others which from the last world war.”The Trofeo del Mare award was also received for having adapted the use of marine remote sensing equipment for the management and protection of underwater cultural heritage and for demonstrating the importance of science in the documentation of shipwrecks and maritime civilizations of the past.The trophy was presented by Captain W. Scott Butler, the US Navy Commanding Officer, at the Naval Air Station in Sigonella, Sicily.This year’s was the 11th edition of the trophy.