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.
HMS Southwold was a Royal Navy Hunt-class (Type II) escort destroyer of the Second World War, about 85m long with a 9.5m beam. On 24 March 1942, while escorting the Malta convoys, she struck a mine roughly 2.5km off Marsaskala on Malta's east coast and sank. She lies today in two sections about 300m apart on a sandy bottom. The larger bow section, around 40m long, rests on its starboard side at about 68m; the stern section, roughly 28m, sits upright at about 73m. Both demand proper technical qualifications. The wreck retains coral growth and intact weaponry including her guns, and divers rate each half an excellent dive in its own right with all the elements of a historic WWII warship. Since 1 May 2019 she has been managed by Heritage Malta and requires a special permit. Her sister ship HMS Oakley later served the Polish Navy as ORP Kujawiak, another deep wreck nearby.
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? Tell me your certification level and your dates, and I'll plan it with you. No pressure, no hard sell — just a good dive.