The HMS Maori - Valletta

There are many great dive sites across Malta, Gozo and Comino suitable for all levels of diver but let me introduce you to the HMS Maori a WWII shipwreck open to all levels of diver, even those yet to complete their Scuba Diving qualifications.

At 12 meters deep, you will discover the wreck of the HMS MAORI. This shipwreck is one of the many World War II wrecks located around the Maltese islands, whilst most of them lie in deeper waters and are accessed by boat the HMS Maori is close to shore and at an average depth of only 10 meters makes a wonderful dive site for all levels of Scuba Diver, even accessible to those without a license yet like me.

The HMS Maori was a 115 metre long British Tribal Class Destroyer that sunk in Valletta’s Grand Harbour during a German air raid attack in February 1942. In July 1945 the wreck was raised, and the forepart was scuttled to its current position in St. Elmo Bay near the entrance to Marsamxett Harbour on the opposite side to Valletta’s Grand Harbour. During the Second World War the HMS Maori operated as part of the UK's Meditteranean Fleet, mostly conducting convoy escort duties however the HMS Maori is most well known for its role in the destruction of the Germans most famous battleship the Bismarck. On 26th May 1941 the British received intelligence regarding the location of the Bismarck and the HMS Maori alongside other destroyers was able to intercept the Bismarck and engage battle overnight before she finally sank on the 27th May 1941. The HMS Maori was one of the few vessels to stay in the location and rescue survivors from the water before retreating after the sighting of a German Submarine close by.

The dive around the HMS Maori is a shallow dive that can be done from the shore with 3 different entrance points and accessible for divers of all levels including beginners yet to earn their qualifications. The deepest area on this dive is on the sand to the starboard side of the wreck at 14 metres. Here if you bring your torch you are able to look through some of the openings in the side of the shipwreck and look through the portholes however I suggest you shouldn’t enter the wreck because this wreck has been here for well over seventy years and is starting to deteriorate rapidly, so this may be dangerous. As you explore around the wreck which is approximately 42 metres in length, you can pass by the bow of the wreck, see two large anchor winches and bollards which remain as well as the brass bases of the two forward guns which are no longer present as they would have been removed and repurposed during WWII.

During your dive you can meet a lot of fish and marine life both small and big. I was lucky enough to see a cuttlefish hiding in the sand, lots of Grouper, Sea Bream, flounder and even a starfish.