Marsaskala Monument Honours SS Polynésien Wartime Tragedy

A new monument has been unveiled in Marsaskala to commemorate the tragic sinking of the SS Polynésien during the First World War.

The ceremony was led by Minister for Culture, Lands and Local Government Owen Bonnici, in collaboration with the Serbian Educational and Cultural Centre ‘Saint Helena of Anjou’, Heritage Malta’s Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit, and the Marsaskala Local Council.

On 10 August 1918 the SS Polynésien, a French luxury liner converted into a troopship, was torpedoed off the coast of Marsaskala by the German submarine UC-22.

On board were 499 Serbian cadets from the officer school, accompanied by Second Lieutenant Tajsić and celebrated war heroine Sergeant Milunka Savić. While most were rescued, at least 17 lives were lost, including Lieutenant Tajsić and two cadets.

Survivors received treatment in Malta before continuing to the Salonika front, contributing to the final campaigns and the liberation of Serbia. This episode reflects Malta’s historic role as the “Nurse of the Mediterranean” and the shared sacrifices of nations during the Great War.

The monument stands on the Marsaskala promenade overlooking the wreck site, now an underwater archaeological zone protected by Heritage Malta.

It features a 3D model of the ship as it once sailed and as it lies today at a depth of 65 metres.

The unveiling included a blessing, wreath laying and a minute’s silence. Guests, including Serbian and French representatives, later explored the wreck virtually through a virtual reality experience.

#MaltaDaily