The Island Republic of Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean Sea just south of the Italian island of Sicily and north east of Tunisia on the African continent. Malta’s three largest islands — Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited.  The wreck of the MV Karwela rests on the sea bed just off the coast of the Island of Gozo, and is a fascinating wreck for scuba divers.
The MV Karwela forms one of the two most recent wrecks in Malta, the MV Karwela and MV Comino Land, were scuttled as recently as August 2006 to increase scuba tourism in Gozo. The MV Karwela is a 50 meter (162 ft) passenger ferry, built in 1957 which used to carry up to 800 passengers before it was decommissioned and the authorities decided to scuttle just off the coast of Xatt-L-Ahmar in Gozo in 35-40 meters of water to be used as an artificial reef and attraction for scuba divers.
The Sinking of the MV Karwela and the MV Comino Land made headlines across dive communities around the world, as buoyancy tanks and lift bags were used to ensure that the wreck landed upright in the water settling exactly 35 meters below on the seabed.
As the ship was scuttled only few years ago, the wreck is still very intact with very little coral growth as of now, but should soon become a brilliantly preserved reef in a few years’ time.  The wreck is so near the coast that this wreck has become one of the most popular shore dives in the region. As the ship was fully stripped down and all doors and glass have been removed for divers safety, wreck penetration is easy, however divers need to keep in mind the depth, and may require a deco stop, so wreck penetration is reserved for more experienced divers. The Ballroom of the Karwela is simply an amazing swim through, and gives off an eerie feel.
The strangest attraction of this wreck is the VW Beetle parked on the stern deck of the Karwela, which makes for a great photo opportunity. As the story goes, after the ship was scuttled, some local divers swam it out on floating on barrels that they let air out of to sink it directly onto the deck where it now rests.
The wreck of the Comino Land is very nearby, and although it is possible to go over both wrecks in one dive, it isn’t recommended. The Comino Land is slightly shallower resting on even keel at 32 meters, however it has sustained some damage to its bow during sinking, and additionally unlike the Karwela it was scrapped of all its paint to see if marine growth attached to it faster, which along with the damage, makes it look more like an actual wreck.
If you’re ever planning to visit Malta, and experience a fabulous wreck that’s very intact, with an easy shore swim in unspoilt Mediterranean waters, then you must visit the wrecks of the MV Karwela and the Comino Land.
photos from flickr by: Scotdiver, Michael Aston
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As a frequent reader of aquaviews.net, and as a Maltese person, I am quite happy to read this feature about my country.
In addition to the above wrecks, which I haven’t yet dived, I would recommend the Rosi, and P29 both lying off Cirkewwa point at a dept of around 35meters max for the Rosi. They both reachable from shore, from the same point.
The Rosi is an old tug boat scuttled here for diving. It is full of fish life, and even during the short swim towards it, schools of groupers will join your swim.
The P29 is an old WW2 German Minesweeper which was converted to be used by the local authorities as a Patrol Boat. The P29 is also reachable from shore and marine life is thriving. Its sister ship, P31, which was also scuttled off the crystal-blue seas of Comino Island in 2009, is on the other hand quite new and marine life has not started to settle yet. Visiting both shows how marine life thrives on such artificial reefs.
Malta is quite a diving-haven for many divers who visit us from all-over the world. Along with the pristine reef, caves, Malta has a number of WW2 wrecks, some even 70meters deep.
All people here are very friendly and a large part of the community speaks fluent English since, along with Maltese, it is our national language.
Hope to see you under
Ryan
Do a quick search about the diving spots here in Malta – you’ll be amazed how such a small archipelago has so many to offer.
That VW Beetle is ridiculous. I thought for sure it was photoshopped when I first saw it. I think it detracts from the site.
Malta does appear to have some fantastic wrecks to dive in.Thanks for sharing Ryan, i’m sure we’d love to do more posts on diving in Malta.
Paul, the photographs appears to be one taken quite soon after the VW Beatle was added to the wreck, i’m sure by now it must’ve turn a nice rusty brown..it does indeed look ridiculous, but does add a focal point and make an intersesting entry in one’s dive log book, don’t you think?
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