Hephaestus, Karwela & Fessej Rock

MT Hephaestus

The MT Hephaestus wreck, situated off the coast of Xatt l-Ahmar in Gozo, Malta, presents an intriguing dive site for divers. The ship found its final resting place on the seabed at a depth of 46 meters after running aground off Qawra Point during a heavy storm on February 10, 2018.

The wreck of Hephaestus is noted for its accessibility both from the shore and by boat, with the use of an underwater scooter recommended for shore dives. The site offers a blend of adventurous diving experiences, featuring a significant depth range of 35 – 47 meters.

The dive offers a glimpse into the ship’s structure, where divers can explore the engine room and observe the machinery left undisturbed. The area around the wreck attracts a variety of marine life, including species like barracuda, grouper, moray, octopus, and stingray, enhancing the underwater experience.

The MT Hephaestus wreck adds a unique dimension to Gozo’s diving landscape, offering an exceptional experience for those who seek adventure and are equipped to handle the depth and technical aspects of the dive.

MV Karwela wreck

The MV Karwela wreck, located off the south coast of Gozo, Malta, is a popular dive site known for its rich history and unique underwater structure. Originally launched in 1957 as the MS Frisia II, the vessel was later renamed to MV Karwela after being transferred to Malta in 1986 by Comino Marina Ltd. It served as a passenger ferry, transporting tourists around the Maltese islands until 2002.

The Karwela wreck was intentionally scuttled in August 2006 along with the MV Cominoland as part of an artificial reef project for scuba divers. The wreck lies at a depth of 42 meters, immediately in front of the kitting-up area at Xatt L-Aħmar. It is known for its impressive size, measuring 50.31 meters in length and 8.50 meters in width.

Divers can access the wreck from the shore at Xatt l-Aħmar, following a descent down the reef to the drop-off, where the forward section of the Karwela becomes visible. The wreck is sheltered from northern winds, and the shallow reef nearby is ideal for decompression and safety stops.

The Karwela wreck is celebrated for its several open passageways and swim-throughs, making it a safe and fascinating site for penetration diving. The wreck is populated with algae, marine invertebrates, and sea firs along the rails, which attract nudibranchs. Large spiral tube worms are also common in the area, and divers might spot sea horses. Inside the wreck, divers can explore the wooden deck, steel staircase, bridge, and ship’s bow, which are all photogenic and illuminated by natural light through windows.

Fessej Rock

Fessej Rock, also known as Black Rock or Skoll tal-Fessej, is a notable dive site located near Gozo. This prominent geological feature rises about 15 meters above the water level and is situated approximately 350 meters southeast of Il-Kantra. It’s known for its dark and imposing appearance.

The diving experience at Fessej Rock typically involves circumnavigating the rock along a wall, which is dominated by huge boulders and interesting swim-throughs. This offers a unique underwater landscape for divers to explore. The dive site is accessible both by boat and from the shore with DPV. The average depth around the rock is about 30 meters, but it can extend to over 50 meters in certain areas, making it more suitable for advanced divers.

The marine life around Fessej Rock is diverse and includes species such as dusky groupers, barracudas, black squat lobsters, amberjacks, tube worms, lobsters, common octopuses, tunas, dentex, and saddled breams. The visibility in the water averages around 20 meters but can vary between 10 and 30 meters depending on conditions.

The site is not only renowned for its natural beauty and marine biodiversity but also for the interesting rock formations and boulders surrounding the main rock, which create a fascinating underwater topography.