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.
MV Xlendi started out as the Danish train ferry Helsingor, built at Helsingor Vaerft in 1955 — 77m long, 12m beam, 1,123 tons. She became Royal Sheeba in 1987 and Borgshorn in 1988 before Gozo Channel Co. bought her in 1990 and renamed her Xlendi for the Malta-Gozo route, where she ran until 1997. Handed to the Gozo Tourism Association, she became Gozo's first artificial reef when scuttled at Xatt l-Ahmar on 12 November 1999, cleaned and fitted with diver exits beforehand. The sinking went wrong: she ended up upside down with the whole superstructure crushed beneath her. The 80m hull now lies inverted on a sandy slope, about 42m on the shore side and 44m seaward, the two propellers at around 32m the most accessible feature. Penetration is not recommended given the unstable, inverted structure, but she draws good fish life and a nearby car wreck adds interest. She is the oldest of the Xatt l-Ahmar trio, with Karwela and Cominoland (2006) close by.
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 MV Xlendi? Tell me your certification level and your dates, and I'll plan it with you. No pressure, no hard sell — just a good dive.