The Dive:
Ideally dived from a boat but can also be dived from the shore. A shot line should be deployed if diving from a boat. Access from the shore is the same as for the Comino Land because the two wrecks are found in the same area about 100 metres apart. It is recommended that one snorkels for about 10 metres then the descent is made and the diver should swim out for about 60 metres to encounter the wreck. Continue reading »
Wreck History:
The vessel was bought by Gozo Channel in February 1990 for Lm327,000. The Xlendi was meant to serve as a cargo carrier between Malta and Gozo, augmenting the service provided by the MV Ghawdex (the latter is currently out of service as well). MV Xlendi was handed over to the Gozo Tourism Association to scuttle as an attraction for divers, after it had stopped operating in 1997. After a lengthy process to obtain a permit to sink her off Xatt L-Ahmar, on the 12th November 1999 MV Xlendi finally hit the seabed resting in a position which due to prevailing winds at the time of scuttling pushed the vessel off the selected and the desired position. Continue reading »
The Dive:
If diving from a boat, boat can anchor on top of the wreck and a shot line deployed. Access from the shore is by walking across a flat stretch of rocks and entry into the water is by performing a giant stride entry. Ideally you snorkel for about 10 metres then make your descent and swim out for approximately 50 metres until you see the wreck. The wreck can be penetrated in a safe manner as it has various openings. The wreck is lying on a sandy bottom so there is nothing interesting to see around the wreck. Although close to the shore it is not very interesting you may encounter shoals of bream. Watch your bottom time because of the depth as decompression time is easily accumulated. Continue reading »
The MV Karwela started her career in 1957 as M/S Frisia II.. In 1977 she was named the “Nordpaloma” and came to Malta in 1986. She did her duty for Comino Marina LTD till about 2002 under the present name MV Karwela.