Sharing the work
Digital reconstructions of underwater heritage sites have excellent public outreach potential, and it is the team’s view that such outreach tools are integral to communicate the value of a site to the public, and in return instill a sense of awareness for sites that are often out of the public’s reach.
VM Explore page (2020) by University of MaltaUniversity of Malta, Department of Classics & Archaeology
The Virtual Museum–Underwater Malta is an online platform that is designed specifically to present underwater sites through virtual means.
VM wreck overview (2020) by University of MaltaUniversity of Malta, Department of Classics & Archaeology
UnderwaterMalta.org seeks to present and provide an informative and educational experience to all sectors of the public, be they divers or not, on Malta’s unique underwater cultural resources.
Virtual Museum (2020) by University of MaltaUniversity of Malta, Department of Classics & Archaeology
From the museum’s website, users can click on the wreck they wish to explore. Viewers can choose to load the VR model, read more information about the site, or watch videos of the dives.
Skyraider 3D model VM (2020) by University of MaltaUniversity of Malta, Department of Classics & Archaeology
Virtual Reality is an effective public outreach tool, providing an emotive and educational experience. Visitors can explore underwater sites as up-close-and-personal as any diver would.
JU88 South Flythrough (2020) by University of MaltaUniversity of Malta, Department of Classics & Archaeology
Flythroughs are another feature that allow visitors to explore the site up-close or zero-in on specific features.
The sites
The type of sites present on the platform vary from Victorian cannons to British submarines and German aircraft.
JU88 South in 3D (2020) by University of MaltaUniversity of Malta, Department of Classics & Archaeology
The presentation of aircraft wreck sites on the virtual museum is a testament to the brief but intense history of aerial warfare in Malta’s skies during World War II.
The Ju88 South
Fascinating insights into air-crash investigations can be gleaned from the site of the Junkers Ju88 (South). The direction of the damage to the port tail indicates it was shot down by an Allied aircraft.
The Douglas Skyraider
A Douglas A1-Skyraider crashed into Maltese waters just a few years after the Second World War while on a mail delivery mission to the aircraft carrier USS Midway. The pilot was able to exit the cockpit and was rescued by a helicopter.
Stubborn 3D (2020) by University of MaltaUniversity of Malta, Department of Classics & Archaeology
As well as aircraft, the war in Malta between 1940 and 1942 resulted in the loss of multiple ships and submarines.
The Schnellboot S-31
One such vessel is the Schnellboot S-31, a motor-torpedo-boat used by the German Kriegsmarine to lay minefields outside of Malta’s harbours. The wooden casing has deteriorated away, leaving just the metal frame.
Torpedo still in place
The S-31 was equipped with two 53mm torpedo tubes, one of which is still loaded, and one 20mm machine gun.
Photography, 3D models, video & documentation: University of Malta, H. Borg, D. Gration, K. Hyttinen, G. M. Iaria & J. Wood.
Special thanks to everyone who participated in this project and made it possible.
