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.
This is the separated stern section of HMS Southwold, the Royal Navy Hunt-class destroyer mined on 24 March 1942 about 2.5km off Marsaskala. When she sank she broke apart, and the after section — roughly 28m long — came to rest upright at around 73-75m, some 300m from the larger bow section. It sits as an excellent technical dive in its own right, with guns and fittings still in place and good coral growth. Heritage Malta manages the site (permit required) since 1 May 2019. See the main HMS Southwold entry for the full history.
The diving here suits divers at Trimix 75 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 HMS Southwold Stern? Tell me your certification level and your dates, and I'll plan it with you. No pressure, no hard sell — just a good dive.