MV Imperial Eagle

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.