MV Imperial Eagle, Statue of Christ and Tug 2

MV Imperial Eagle

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 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 kilometre 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.

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 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.

Tug 2 wreck

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.