Bristol Beaufighter and TUG 2

The Bristol Beaufighter wreck near Malta offers a unique diving experience, especially for those interested in World War II history. This aircraft, which served in the Royal Air Force, was a twin-engine, two-seat heavy fighter. On March 17, 1943, shortly after takeoff, it experienced mechanical problems and had to make an emergency landing in the sea. Remarkably, both the pilot and the observer survived the crash.

The wreck now lies upside down at a depth of around 38 meters on a sandy seabed approximately 900 meters offshore from St. Julian’s Point in Sliema. The undercarriage frames with shredded tires are visible behind the radial engines, and one of the propellers is still attached to the engine.

Divers can explore the fascinating remnants of this World War II aircraft, including the engines, wheels, and other mechanical parts. Near the main body of the plane, the tail is located about 5 meters away. The site is also excellent for underwater photography, offering the chance to capture the entire plane, including body and wings, in a single frame.

The Tug 2 wreck near Sliema, Malta, offers a 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.

Since this event is primarily for certified freedivers, we will ask you to present your freediving certification. All levels of freediving and all certification agencies are accepted as long as your certification allows you to dive deeper than 10 meters in open water.

Minimum age: 18 years old (unless accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a certified freediver).

Yes, the boat can accommodate up to 8 guests. If some of them are not freedivers, they can relax on the boat and enjoy the trip with you.

We recommend bringing your own freediving gear if you have it, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle. If you need to rent equipment, please let us know in advance.

We have compiled a detailed map of dive sites for freedivers in Malta. However, our tours include dive sites that are difficult to reach from shore.

There is a microwave, fridge, and coffee machine on board. You can order all the meals you need through the Bolt Food service, and our skipper will meet the courier before the start of the itinerary.

A deposit of €200 is required to confirm your booking. The rest can be paid on the day of the tour before it starts.

The full deposit will be refunded if the charter cannot proceed due to weather conditions.