Mazarrón Mayor makes strong statement regarding Phoenician boats being transferred to Cartagena

Ginés Campillo responds forcefully to news published by the Regional Government about the approval of the project for the extraction and transfer of Mazarrón II

Ginés Campillo has responded to the approval of the project to extract the Phoenician boat remains from the Bahía abeach in Mazarrón by saying "We are not a colony of either the Regional Government or the State and they can't decide the future of our archaeological jewel behind our backs".

In response to the press release published on February 8 by the Regional Government of Murcia on the approval of the project for the extraction and transfer of the Phoenician wreck Mazarrón II, the Mayor of Mazarrón, Ginés Campillo, has expressed his deep concern and disagreement with the decision taken by the working group formed by the regional government and the Ministry of Culture.

"Once again we are witnessing the contempt of the government of López Miras and the government of Pedro Sánchez towards Mazarrón. They make decisions behind the backs of the Mazarroneros about what rightfully belongs to us, our Phoenician ship," said Mayor Ginés Campillo.

The protocol, which contemplates the transfer of the wreck to the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (ARQVA) in Cartagena to be stabilised and treated, leaves the Town of Mazarrón completely out of the prcoesses of conservation and future exhibition of the ship. "The archaeological jewel is from Mazarrón. The ship should not leave Mazarrón without a written commitment that it will return to the municipality once restored and therefore, we continue to demand from Murcia and Madrid the creation of a commission to monitor the actions on the wreck in which all administrations are involved."

In this sense, Ginés Campillo demands that the Ministry of Culture authorise the construction of a museum in Mazarrón to properly house and exhibit the wreck once it is restored, thus guaranteeing its preservation and public access in its place of origin. "We are a Phoenician port, the ship appeared here and here it should be displayed for the public. Mazarrón has the right to highlight its Phoenician past, to promote culture and tourism around the great merchants of the Mediterranean. Who are the Ministry or the Regional Government to deprive the Mazarroneros of that right?" said the Mayor.

"We have the land available in the area, right in the Cabezo del Faro that overlooks the beach of the Isla de Adentro where the ships were discovered and, in addition, we have enough financial resources to build a museum and convention center of the Phoenician World," said Campillo.

The Mayor criticises the lack of dialogue and participation with the Town Council in decision-making, describing the action of the regional and central governments as unilateral and without consideration for the society of Mazarrón. "Mazarrón is not a colony of Murcia or Madrid and they cannot come here and expropriate our historical heritage," he said, referring to the need for a more collaborative and respectful approach to local heritage and identity.

Despite acknowledging the importance of proper restoration and conservation of the wreck, Mayor Campillo emphasised the importance of these actions being carried out with the greatest benefit to the local community, including the safe return of the wreck to Mazarrón and the creation of infrastructures that allow its exhibition and study within the municipality.

In addition, the Mayor has called on the citizens of Mazarrón, cultural associations and social agents to unite in defense of their heritage and in the vindication of their right to participate in decisions that affect their cultural and historical legacy.

Finally, Mayor Campillo has reiterated his commitment to the protection and promotion of the historical and cultural heritage of Mazarrón, assuring that he will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that decisions about the future of the Phoenician wreck 'Mazarrón II' are made in a transparent and beneficial way for all Mazarrón residents.

The controversy over the transfer of the Phoenician wreck 'Mazarrón II' highlights the need for an open and constructive dialogue between local, regional and national authorities on the management of cultural heritage. Only through cooperation and mutual respect can the preservation of this priceless archaeological treasure be ensured for future generations, while maintaining the pride and identity of Mazarrón society.

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