Wreck Dive, Zurrieq, Malta
The Um El Faroud is often referred to as the best wreck in Malta for recreational divers.
Commissioned by the General National Maritime Transport Company of Tripoli and built in 1969 in Middlesbrough, England, she was used to transport oil from Libya to Italy via the Suez Canal, up until February 1995.
The Um El Faroud was in dry dock in the Grand Harbour of Valletta for maintenance work when, on the night of 3rd February 1995, an explosion occurred. Tragically, nine shipyard workers lost their lives in the explosion, making it the largest peace-time disaster in Maltese history. The oil tanker suffered structural damage both inside and out.
Following an inspection and survey, the Um El Faroud was considered damaged beyond repair. After three years at the dock in Valletta, it was decided to scuttle her as a diving attraction and artificial reef off the south-west coast of Malta, near Zurrieq.
The overall length of the ship is around 110m, and although she was largely intact when scuttled, she was ripped into two parts during a heavy storm in the winter of 2005–2006.
The depth at the propeller is 36m and the average depth is around 30m, which makes it ideal for recreational divers. She is also an extremely popular spot for technical divers, who can spend a long time exploring thanks to her relatively shallow depth.
The stern
The stern of the ship is an impressive sight to behold. The wreck sits completely upright in the water and the depth at the stern is 36m in the sand. The rudder and propeller are still in place and make a popular area for photos due to the sheer size of the prop.
The engine room and penetrations
The wreck is amazing to explore inside. The engine room is one of the largest on the island and is well worth a visit (if you are qualified for wreck penetration). The wreck has multiple connected levels. Towards the stern you can visit the engine room, boiler, kitchen, canteen, and captain's wheelhouse across 5 different levels, all without venturing outside. The bow has its own penetrations with enormous holds to explore.
Interesting sights
The wreck is divided into two sections, both covered in marine life. The split is extremely impressive and you can even swim underneath the wreck at this point. Amberjacks, barracuda, triggerfish, damselfish, nudibranchs and moray eels can all be found in and around the wreck.
Front and centre of the bridge is a brass plaque placed in memory of the nine Maltese workers who lost their lives in the explosion.
Experience needed
You must be certified to dive to a depth of 30 metres to dive this site. If you wish to penetrate the wreck you will need a Wreck Diver certification. We would also recommend being a Nitrox Diver and a Deep Diver.
Dive site specification: The Um El Faroud
- Location: Zurrieq, Malta
- Type of dive: Shore Dive
- Max depth: 36m
- Minimum certification: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
- For penetration dives: PADI Wreck Diver
- Recommended: PADI Deep Diver & PADI Nitrox Diver