On July 21, 2026, a joint operation involving various Italian state forces, including the Navy, Coast Guard, Fire Brigade, Carabinieri, and Finance Police, carried out the annual cleaning of the iconic underwater statue known as the Christ of the Abyss. Located off the coast of San Fruttuoso in Liguria, the 2.5-meter bronze sculpture underwent a meticulous cleaning process using high-pressure seawater equipment to remove biological incrustations and debris that accumulate over time. The operation was coordinated by the Technical Service for Underwater Archaeology under the oversight of the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape of Liguria.

Created by sculptor Guido Galletti and placed in the seabed in 1954, the statue serves as a memorial for those who perished at sea, particularly during World War II. Sources differ slightly regarding its depth, with one reporting 17 meters and another stating 18 meters. The statue was originally constructed from the metal of medals, ship parts, and cannons. This annual maintenance is essential for preserving the integrity of the bronze against environmental degradation while maintaining its visibility for divers and the public.