Divers clean Christ of the Abyss statue in San Fruttuoso, Italy

Divers from a local marine‑conservation team removed algae, barnacles and other marine growth from the Christ of the Abyss statue off the coast of San Fruttuoso, Italy, in a coordinated cleaning operation carried out on Monday. The bronze figure, depicting a seated Christ with outstretched arms, has rested on the seabed of the Bay of San Fruttuoso since its installation in 1954 and has become a well‑known landmark for scuba divers and tourists alike.

The cleaning, conducted under the supervision of the Italian Navy’s environmental unit and supported by the San Fruttuoso diving association, aimed to preserve the statue’s structural integrity and visual appearance while minimizing impact on the surrounding marine ecosystem. Officials noted that regular maintenance is essential to prevent corrosion and to ensure the monument remains safe for the estimated 30,000 annual visitors who dive to view it. The successful completion of the task underscores ongoing efforts to protect Italy’s underwater cultural heritage.