Italian police divers have carried out a careful cleaning of the famous Christ of the Abyss statue, an iconic underwater monument off the coast of Portofino in northern Italy.

The 2.5-metre bronze statue of Jesus Christ, with arms raised in blessing, was placed on the seabed in 1954 as a tribute to those who have died at sea. For many Christians and visitors, it is more than a diving destination, it is a powerful symbol of hope, peace and sacrifice.

Created from melted-down medals and materials from the Second World War, the statue stands as a reminder of both human loss and the promise of eternal life. Originally commissioned in memory of a diver who died nearby, Christ of the Abyss is now one of the most visited dive sites in the Mediterranean Sea.

Each year, divers use gentle, eco-friendly water-blasting techniques to remove crustaceans and bacteria from the statue, preserving the bronze and protecting the marine environment.

This modern approach replaces older cleaning methods that risked damaging the monument, helping to ensure it remains a lasting witness beneath the waves.

Located in the bay of San Fruttuoso, Christ of the Abyss is visible not only to divers but also to kayakers and swimmers from the surface, drawing thousands of visitors each year in quiet reflection.

The statue continues to inspire, reminding all who see it of the words of Jesus: “Peace, be still.”

For many, Christ of the Abyss stands as a silent yet powerful presence in the deep a sacred place where faith and the sea meet.