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THE Serbian community in Malta through the Educational and Cul- tural Centre 'St Helen of Anjou', in collaboration with Heritage Malta's Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit and the Marsascala Local Council, inaugurated a new monument at Fajtata Bay, Marsascala, commem- orating the tragic sinking of the SS Polynésien during the First World War. On 10th August 1918, the SS Polynésien, a luxury French liner converted into a troopship, was tor- pedoed off the coast of Marsascala by the German submarine UC-22. On board were 499 Serbian cadets of the officer school, accompanied by Second Lieutenant Tajsić and the famed war heroine Sergeant Mi- lunka Savić. Although most of those on board were rescued, at least 17 people lost their lives, including Lieutenant Tajsić and two cadets. The survivors were cared for in Malta before continuing to the Sa- lonica front, where they contribut- ed to the final campaigns of the war and the liberation of Serbia. This episode remains a testament to Malta's crucial role as the 'Nurse of the Mediterranean' and highlights the shared sacrifices of different na- tions during the Great War. The monument was unveiled dur- ing a commemorative event attend- ed by Owen Bonnici, Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Govern- ment, Arnaud Gouillon, Director of the Office for Public and Cultur- al Diplomacy of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, which supported its creation, as well as Valentin Martinez on behalf of the French Embassy. Also present were representatives from the Serbian Educational and Cultural Centre 'St Helen of Anjou', Heritage Malta's Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit, the Marsascala Local Council, and the local Serbian community. Installed on the Marsascala prom- enade overlooking the wreck site – which is an underwater archaeo- logical zone managed and protected by Heritage Malta through its Un- derwater Cultural Heritage Unit – the monument features a 3D model of the Polynésien, both as it once sailed and as it now lies at a depth of 65 metres. The ceremony honoured those who perished with a blessing ser- vice, wreath-laying, and a minute of silence. Following the unveiling, guests were invited to explore the wreck through an immersive vir- tual reality experience of the SS Polynésien. Such cultural diplomacy strength- ens ties between Malta and the Ser- bian community, whilst serving as a point of reflection for locals, divers, and tourists alike, bringing to light a lesser-known but significant chap- ter of First World War history. The monument is part of Malta's ongoing commitment to safeguard and interpret the nation's underwa- ter cultural heritage, ensuring that the stories resting on Malta's seabed continue to inspire and educate fu- ture generations. 2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 AUGUST 2025 HISTORY Remembering the SS Polynésien: New monument at Marsaskala The wreck site of the SS Polynésien lies at a depth of 65 metres