Sunk in september 1998, the ill-fated Um el Faroud previously laid in the harbour at Valletta for three years following a terrible explosion on board that killed nine Maltese dockyard workers.

Now, with a memorial brass plate in place, the ship sits upright on a sandy seabed at 32m. At 10,000 tons and 110m long the Um el Faroud is an impressive sight. The depth to the bridge is 15m and the depth to the deck 25m.

The wreck is completely open for penetration, but has not yet been made fully safe inside, and should only be attempted with proper training.

Location:

140m southwest of Wied iz-Zurrieq headland.

Access:

By boat.

Conditions:

Sheltered from northeasterly winds, but exposed to other swells; current to be expected running from stern to bow.

Average depth:

25m

Maximum depth:

34m

Average visibility:

18m