TRAVEL
Diving into Europe? Try Malta – by Peter Symes, Publisher, X-Ray Magazine Right in the middle of the Mediter- ranean, we find the tiny nation of Malta, one of the most significant diving hubs on the planet. Malta and its smaller sister island, Gozo, boast more than 50 dive centres, servicing a clientele that includes beginners and ad- vanced technical divers. Malta's history is a tapestry of strategic significance, shaped by its position at the crossroads of the Mediter- ranean. Settled as early as 5200 BCE, it became home to the world-renowned megalithic temples. Over centuries,
plore sites like the HMS Maori, a British destroyer sunk in Valletta Harbour. Now resting at around 14 metres, it is ac- cessible even to less experienced divers. For advanced divers, deeper wrecks such as HMS South- wold, a British destroyer sunk in 1942, with its wreck lying in two sections off Marsaskala Bay at depths of 70 and 72 metres, offer a challenging yet rewarding experience (see X-Ray magazine’s article about this amazing wreck dive). Aircraft wrecks provide a unique glimpse into wartime aviation. There are some shallower wreck dives for recre-
ational divers in Malta: Bristol Beau- fighter, Bristol Blenheim Bomber, Mosquito Fighter Bomber and Lock- heed P2V Neptune. These plane wrecks are between 32 and 42 m deep. Tech- nical divers can dive two Junkers 88 – 55m and 105m respectively. Other technical aeroplane wreck dives are B- 24 Liberator Bomber at 55 m, Fairey Swordfish at 70 m and Douglas A-1
Malta was influenced by the Phoeni- cians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Byzantines before falling under Arab rule in 870 CE, which introduced pro- found cultural and agricultural inno- vations. In 1091, the Normans reclaimed the islands, eventually be- coming part of the Aragonese and later the Spanish empires.
Malta’s Clear Waters
In 1530, Charles V granted Malta to the Knights of St. John, who transformed it into a fortress and cultural hub, famously defending it during the Great Siege of 1565 against the Ottoman Empire. The islands became British in 1814, pivotal in Imperial maritime strategy. By the Sec- ond World War, Malta’s fortifications and location made it crucial in the Allied struggle, enduring relentless Axis bom- bardments as a symbol of resistance. Malta offers unparalleled opportunities for diving enthu- siasts keen on exploring World War II wrecks. The island's strategic role during the war left its waters littered with fas- cinating naval and aviation history remnants. Divers can ex-
Skyraider at 96 m depth. Malta and Goze also have several wrecks scuttled as scuba diving attractions. Before scuttling, these wrecks were made safe for both the environment and divers. Most of them are dived from the shore, but Imperial Eagle, P31, Stub- born, Neptune, and the Statue of Christ are boat dives. Malta and Gozo provide exceptional dive training oppor- tunities for all levels, from beginners to technical divers.
They have well-equipped dive centres, experi- enced instructors, rental facilities, guided ex- cursions, hyperbaric chambers for safety, and diverse dive sites.
email Peter
PAGE TWENTY-NINE | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker