Maritime phenomenon

Vincent A. Galea's memory is correct when he recalls the earthquake of some 60 years ago when there was a displacement of the sea around Malta.

I remember it as I was swimming at Veccia jetty round about midday when the sea ebbed away and a considerable stretch round the coastline at St Paul's Bay was drained and not only did fish flounder in the exposed sea weed but moored boats rested on the sea floor. I remember distinctly that the shallow part stretching across the innermost part of the bay was drained and one could almost walk from one side to the opposite side.

The sea slowly returned and rose some two feet above its normal level and swept across Xemxija Road, reaching some of the fields, its progress being impeded by the wall that ran the entire length of what was then a narrow roadway.

The period must have been the summer of 1939 as at the time people claimed this was a sign from heaven against a world that was on the very edge of war. We were told this was due to the attraction of the moon, as in a tidal wave. But, in fact, if my memory serves me well, it was due to an underwater earthquake in the Ionian Island to the west of Greece.