Deep Wrecks of Malta: A Tec Diver’s Mecca
In order to explore these shipwrecks in Malta, you’ll need to dive to depths of over 215 feet (65 meters). Trust us, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts.
The Trusty Star lies at a gentle angle - resting on her starboard side as seen from the bow.
Dave Gration
The Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo are a popular destination for divers of all abilities. Thanks to high visibility and the islands’ ancient geological makeup, divers can explore an interesting mix of tunnels, caves and reefs. But a big draw is the opportunity to explore the area’s fascinating history in naval warfare through its wide variety of underwater wrecks—some of which are only accessible to technical divers.
Many of Malta’s most famous shipwrecks were sunk during the Second World War. The island was strategically important, as it was the only place where Allied forces could operate between the British bases of Gibraltar and Alexandria. The island was heavily bombed by Axis forces between 1940 and 1942, and vessels on both sides were destroyed by underwater mines.
Wrecks like the Beaufighter, at a depth of 121 feet (37 meters), are accessible to recreational divers. However, many of the shipwrecks off Malta’s coastline are far deeper, requiring further qualifications.
Three Wrecks Open to Technical Divers
Schnellboot
Depth: 213 feet (65m)
Discover: The Schnellboot (“fast boat”) was a motor torpedo boat used by the German navy in World War II. Its role was to intercept and destroy Allied ships carrying supplies such as food, medicine and weapons. On May 10, 1942, Schnellboot S-31 was conducting a mine-laying operation at the entry of the port of Valletta, when it struck one of its own mines. The boat broke up and sank, leaving just 13 survivors. The wreck was discovered sitting upright on the sand, fully intact and with one of its torpedoes still in situ. The wooden casing has rotted away, leaving only the metal frame.
The aft gun of HMS Nasturtium is very well preserved and stand proudly as though ready for action.
Dave Gration
HMS Nasturtium
Depth: 223 feet (68 meters)
Discover: The HMS Nasturtium is a First World War wreck located outside Grand Harbour. The British sloop-of-war was built in 1915 for the purpose of minesweeping. It was sunk by a mine on April 27, 1916. The wreck is 266 feet (81 meters) in length, and the two guns are still visible on the bow and stern. It is teeming with marine flora, which makes for a spectacular dive. Two other World War I wrecks lie close to this wreck: HMY Aegusa and HMS Russell. All three ships sank on the same day in the same minefield.
Trusty Star
Depth: 295 feet (90 meters)
Discover: The HMD Trusty Star was a British drifter, measuring 85 feet (26 meters) in length, that was converted into a minesweeper during World War II. It was sent to Malta in 1942 to counter heavy Axis mine-laying operations and help keep the harbor open. On June 10, during an air raid, it struck a mine at Grand Harbour and sank. The shipwreck lies at a 45-degree angle on its starboard side and is covered with silt, but the boat structure remains quite intact. This is a particularly atmospheric, photogenic wreck.
German E-Boat S-31 lit up dramatically during the exploration of the Schnellboot.
Dave Gration
Diving the Wrecks
Divers interested in visiting these sites must do so through a registered and approved dive school. The school will use Heritage Malta’s online system to purchase tickets for its clients. As of this year, all dive boats wishing to operate on historic dive sites will also have to be registered with Heritage Malta. For more information, email uchu@heritagemalta.org.
The Challenges of Technical Diving
Technical diving is defined as any recreational dive that involves decompression, additional cylinders, alternative breathing gases, rebreathers, or overhead environments, such as wrecks, caves or mines. Any dive deeper than 130 feet (40 meters) is typically considered a technical dive, as there are various hazards to consider, from the diving environment to the equipment required.
For instance, divers must be very careful to avoid the risks of ambient pressure during ascent from depth. This is particularly risky during a deep dive—decompression can last over three hours after spending just 30 minutes at a depth of 330 feet (100 meters). Technical divers must have the qualifications and knowledge to calculate the amount of gas they will need and what to do if any issues arise underwater.
Those with the proper technical diving qualifications can access all of the wrecks mentioned in this article.