The Azure Window stone archway in Malta collapses into the sea

The famous tourist symbol of the island of Malta has collapsed into the sea after a big storm on 9h40 on March 8.

Window Azure , stone archway and famous tourist symbol of Malta , collapsed into the sea on the morning of March 8, after a big storm. This information was officially announced by Joseph Muscat, prime minister of Malta, on his personal page. The Prime Minister said he was heartbroken for this incident.

The view is empty after the stone arches collapsed in Malta.

Roger Chesell, a local, said he witnessed this beautiful dome suddenly collapsing into the sea. In Times of Malta, Roger said that at that time, the sea was strongly shaken, foamed up white.

Malta's Minister of Natural Resources also announced at the press conference, the government is investigating the exact cause of the incident. He also acknowledged Malta had lost an invaluable asset, but the minister also emphasized Gozo with many other beautiful sights for tourists to explore.

Window Azure is the famous tourist symbol of Malta, attracting more than a million visitors each year. It also appeared in dozens of movies, most recently Games of Thrones with the Dothraki character's wedding scene.

Images of stone arches before (left) and after collapsing.(Photo: Youtube).

Geologists have long warned about the curved stone arches on the west coast of this island of Gozo will sometimes collapse, due to erosion and weather effects. Since 2016, visitors are also prohibited from climbing this dome gate, or sailing below.

Many visitors have the opportunity to come here to post the dome image when intact, showing the sharing with Malta.