Statue of Christ, shipwrecks, airplane

Discover the underwater world of North Malta’s coast. This exciting trip includes three dives. You’ll see the amazing Christ of the Sailors statue and the Imperial Eagle wreck, as well as the Airplane Wreck P2V Neptune. You can choose to dive either the Shipwreck Tug2 or the Merkanti Reef. Our journey will take us along Malta’s coast, including places like Sliema, Saint Julian’s, Pembroke, Madliena Tower, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, Ghallis Rocks, St Mark’s Tower, Maghtab, and Torri tal-Għallis.

Airplane Wreck P2V Neptune:

Lockheed P2V Neptune aircraft built in the USA as a maritime patrol aircraft and submarine hunter, known in the Royal Air Force as the Neptune MR.1, crashed during a landing at Luqa Airport on 13 January 1956. After salvaging usable parts, the aircraft was sold for filming and sunk in the late 1950s for underwater scenes in the film The Quiet Enemy, released in 1958.

The wreck lies about 500 metres off the shore of Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq on Malta’s northeast coast. Divers can explore the remains of the aircraft at a depth of 32 metres, resting on a seabed of sand and meadows of Posidonia sea grass. What remains of the Lockheed P2V Neptune aircraft are mainly parts of the fuselage, wings with engine covers and other wing parts partially buried in the sand nearby.

The surrounding reef and cultural significance of the wreck make it an interesting dive site worth exploring at least once.

This wreck was opened to divers in 2015.

Christ of the Sailors & MV Imperial Eagle wreck:

Christ of the Sailors

The dive site of the Statue of Christ, also known as Kristu tal-Bahhara (Christ of the Sailors), is a mesmerizing underwater attraction located off Qawra Point in north-eastern Malta. This 3-meter tall statue depicts Jesus Christ with arms outstretched, symbolically protecting sailors. It stands on white sand amidst a natural amphitheater of rock and is positioned at a depth of about 35 meters.

The statue’s creation was inspired by Raniero Borg, an avid diver who suggested the project to commemorate Pope John Paul II’s first visit to Malta in 1990. Maltese sculptor Alfred Camilleri Cauchi, renowned for his work, was commissioned to design and construct the statue.

Originally, the statue was placed off St. Paul’s Island near Mellieha in northeast Malta in 1990, in a ceremony graced by Pope John Paul II, who also blessed the statue. In 2000 the statue was moved to its current position near the wreck of the MV Imperial Eagle.

The site also features an underwater valley leading to the bow of the Imperial Eagle wreck, about 30 meters away, and a natural rock arch in the reef wall, where a large anchor dating back to the 1600s can be found. The site has become a popular dive destination, offering a blend of historical significance and natural beauty.

MV Imperial Eagle wreck

The MV Imperial Eagle wreck, situated off Qawra in north-eastern Malta, is a notable deep wreck dive site with a rich history and fascinating underwater features. Originally launched as the New Royal Lady in 1938, the Imperial Eagle served various roles, including being an excursion ship and a ferry between Malta and Gozo. During World War II, it was used for transport duties by the Royal Navy. In 1958, it was sold to Malta, renamed to Imperial Eagle, and operated as a ferry carrying passengers and vehicles between Malta and Gozo.

By 1999, the Imperial Eagle was decommissioned and scuttled about half a kilometer off Qawra Point to serve as the main attraction of an underwater marine park for divers. The wreck lies upright on a sandy seabed at a depth of 42 meters, with its deck at 32 meters. The wreck, measuring around 45 meters in length and with a beam of 9 meters, is open for penetration, allowing divers to swim through some rooms and corridors. However, most of the wooden parts have rotted away, leaving primarily the metal structures intact.

The site is renowned for its proximity to the Qawra Reef and the Statue of Christ (Kristu tal-Bahhara), located in an underwater valley about 30 meters from the wreck’s bow. Divers can also explore a nearby natural rock arch in the reef wall and an ancient anchor wedged between rocks and the sandy bottom.

Due to its depth and the potential for penetration diving, the MV Imperial Eagle wreck is recommended for experienced divers.

Shipwreck Tug2 or Merkanti Reef:

Shipwreck Tug2

The Tug 2 wreck near Sliema, Malta, offers an nice dive site for enthusiasts of all levels. Originally built by Malta Drydocks in 1975 for the Chinese Government and named Tuo Lun Er Hao, this tugboat has a long history. It was involved in the China Dock project in Grand Harbour, Valletta, and underwent several name changes before being decommissioned and eventually acquired by Bezzina Marine Services Ltd. in 2000.

In June 2013, Tug 2 was scuttled off the Exiles coast in Sliema to create an artificial reef and dive attraction. The vessel, measuring 30 meters in length and 9.5 meters in height (excluding the mast), now rests in an upright position at a depth of 22 meters. Interestingly, a storm in October 2016 shifted the wreck, moving it closer to the reef and turning it 90 degrees clockwise.

The wreck is accessible for Open Water Divers or higher, and it’s especially suitable for night wreck diving and navigation training. Despite the removal of parts that could harm the marine environment, the wheelhouse and engine room still offer plenty to explore, including safe penetration opportunities. Divers can expect to find a variety of marine life, including numerous Nudibranchs. It’s worth noting that boat traffic can be an issue, particularly during summer weekends, so caution and the use of a DSMB (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy) are advisable.

Merkanti Reef

Merkanti Reef, located off St. Julian’s on the northeastern coast of Malta, is a captivating dive site known for its calm waters and rich marine life.

The reef comprises two parallel sections that are close to the shore, with the tops just reaching the surface. These two parts and the canyon between them are adorned with numerous small overhangs, crevices, nooks, and crannies. These features provide an excellent habitat for a variety of marine life, making it an ideal location for underwater photography and exploration.

Dive trip overview:

Here’s a brief overview of the main stages of the trip and the experiences awaiting participants:

• Boarding the boat at the agreed berth: Participants are greeted at the berth, where they board a comfortable boat specially equipped for diving.
• Unpacking and assembling equipment: Divers prepare their gear, checking it for safety and functionality.
• Sea journey with a view of Malta from the sea: The journey starts with a scenic boat trip, revealing stunning views of the cities of Malta.
• Briefing on the dive at the reef of Airplane Wreck P2V Neptune.
• Up to 45-minute dive: This dive allows participants to enjoy the beauty of the underwater reef.
• Surface interval with tea or coffee.
• Briefing on the dive at Christ of the Sailors & MV Imperial Eagle wreck: Instructors provide information about the dive and the history of Christ of the Sailors & MV Imperial Eagle wreck.
• Up to 45-minute dive: This dive allows participants to explore the Christ of the Sailors & MV Imperial Eagle wreck.
• Surface interval with a snack: Participants relax on board, replenishing energy with a light snack.
• Briefing for the dive at Tug2 or Merkanti Reef: Instructors prepare the group for the dive into the Santa Maria caves.
• A 45-minute dive: The third dive offers a unique experience of exploring underwater.
• Return to the boat with discussions of impressions and viewing photos, videos: Upon returning to the boat, participants share their experiences and review photos and videos taken.
• Packing and stowing equipment: After completing all dives, divers gather and pack their equipment.
• Disembarking from the boat at the agreed-upon berth: Participants return to the berth, concluding their unforgettable adventure.

This trip promises to be a memorable experience, combining the beauty of the underwater world, unique historical sites, and thrilling adventures. Overall, Malta Island is a unique place, blending the beauty of untouched nature and rich history.