One of the dive sites we run here in Malta — here's the story behind it, the depth and access, and what it takes to dive it properly.
The Bristol Blenheim was a twin-engine light bomber of the Second World War, about 13m long with a 17.2m wingspan and a crew of three. On 13 December 1941, en route towards Kefalonia in Greece, this aircraft was attacked by an Italian fighter that damaged its port engine. Unable to continue, the crew ditched in the sea off Malta and survived with minor injuries. The wreck lies upright on sand and small reef about 500m off Xrobb l-Ghagin on Malta's east coast at around 42m. The wings and radial engines are largely intact — the starboard engine still has a bent propeller, the port propeller is missing — the cockpit canopy is gone, and the rear fuselage has broken off and lies upside down a few metres ahead of the main wreckage, mostly buried in sand. It is a deep boat dive for experienced divers, sometimes with strong current, and has deteriorated noticeably in recent years.
The diving here suits divers at Decompression Procedures level. If you’re not there yet, these are the courses that get you there:
Already certified and just want to dive it? Come and explore it with me on open circuit or CCR — one relaxed dive a day, no rushing, as long in the water as you like.
Want to dive Bristol Blenheim? Tell me your certification level and your dates, and I'll plan it with you. No pressure, no hard sell — just a good dive.