HMS Hellespont

HMS Hellespont, Off Valletta’s Grand Harbour, Malta

Depth: 35m (avg), 41m (max) 

Level: Technical 

Overview: 

HMS Hellespont is a World War II wreck resting upright on a sandy seabed outside Grand Harbour, Valletta, at a maximum depth of 41m. Originally a steam powered paddle tug, she played a vital role in assisting Royal Navy operations in Malta’s Grand Harbour. On 6th-7th April 1942, while moored inside the harbour, she sustained severe damage during a Luftwaffe air raid, sinking as a result. After the war, her wreckage was raised to clear the harbour and later scuttled off Rinella, approximately 1.5 km from the harbour entrance, where she now lies.

First discovered by divers on 15 May 1999, HMS Hellespont is one of Malta’s best-preserved WWII wrecks, offering a historically significant deep dive for those interested in naval history and wreck exploration.

History & Background:

• Service History: Built to assist Royal Navy operations in Malta’s Grand Harbour, HMS Hellespont was a paddle steamer, featuring a side wheel propulsion system, which was common for tugboats of her era. She was primarily used for towing and assisting vessels within the harbour.
• Sinking & Scuttling: On 6th-7th April 1942, HMS Hellespont was moored inside Grand Harbour when she was severely damaged in a Luftwaffe air raid. The attack resulted in catastrophic damage, sinking the vessel within the harbour. After the war, as part of harbour clearing efforts, her wreckage was raised, relocated, and scuttled off Rinella around 1.5 km outside Grand Harbour, where she now rests in an upright position.

Wreck Details:

• Dimensions: HMS Hellespont was a 46m long steam powered tugboat.
• Depth: The wreck sits at an average depth of 35m, with the maximum depth reaching 41m.
• Position: The wreck remains upright on a sandy seabed, remarkably intact, apart from the damaged bow.

Dive Highlights:

• Accessibility: The wreck is located approximately 1.5 km off Rinella, requiring a boat dive. Due to port authority restrictions, divers should check for permitted dive dates before planning their trip.
• Wreck Features: The first 15m of the bow is missing, having been completely destroyed in the air raid. However, the main body of the wreck is well preserved, with paddle wheel shafts, engine components, and structural elements still visible.
• Marine Life: Schools of bream, damselfish, and painted comber frequently swim around the wreck, while larger species like tuna occasionally pass through. The wreck’s crevices and structures provide shelter for moray eels, and its surfaces are home to nudibranchs, hermit crabs, and other small invertebrates. 

Why Visit?

HMS Hellespont offers a well preserved World War II wreck that is relatively accessible compared to deeper technical wrecks. Its upright structure, rich historical significance, and unique paddle steamer design make it a must-visit dive site for those interested in Malta’s wartime naval history. With its mix of historical intrigue and marine biodiversity, HMS Hellespont is an excellent dive for technical divers looking for a compelling and immersive underwater experience.