HMS Maori Wreck

HMS Maori Wreck, Valletta, Malta

Depth: 12m (avg), 15m (max)

Level: Open Water Diver or equivalent

Overview:

HMS Maori wreck is one of Malta’s most accessible and historically significant World War II wreck dives. Easily reached from the shore, this shallow dive site offers beginner divers a unique opportunity to explore a genuine warship and experience Malta’s maritime heritage.

History & Background:

• Service History: Built in September 1937, the HMS Maori was a Tribal class destroyer for the British Royal Navy. Throughout World War II, she participated in several significant naval operations, including the pursuit of the German battleship Bismarck.
• Sinking & Scuttling: On February 12, 1942, while anchored in Grand Harbour, Valletta, the Maori was struck by a German bomb that hit her engine room, leading to her sinking. In July 1945, the wreck was raised, and the forepart was scuttled to its current position in St. Elmo Bay near the entrance to Marsamxett Harbour.

Wreck Details:

• Dimensions: Originally measuring 115 meters in length, the remaining bow section of the wreck is approximately 42 meters long.
• Depth: Lies at an average depth of 12 meters, with a maximum depth of 15 meters.
• Position: The HMS Maori is half buried in sand, the bow and stern are gone, and the front rests against the rocky slope of of the reef. 

Dive Highlights:

• Accessibility: The site is easily accessible from the shore, with a short swim leading divers to the wreck. Its shallow depth makes it suitable for both beginner and experienced divers.
• Wreck Features: Divers can explore various sections of the wreck, including the bridge and original gun placements. However, caution is advised due to structural deterioration over time.
• Marine Life: Among the species frequently encountered are moray eels, octopuses, cuttlefish, scorpionfish, and hermit crabs, often found sheltering within the wreck’s crevices. The site is also home to fireworms, red sponges, soft corals, sea urchins, starfish, and nudibranchs, adding vibrant detail to the underwater landscape. Schools of cardinalfish, damselfish, rainbow wrasse, painted comber, cow breams, and red mullet move through the area, while more elusive creatures like flying gurnards, stingrays, and even the occasional seahorse may be spotted by lucky divers.

Why Visit?

As one of Malta’s few shallow World War II wrecks, HMS Maori offers an engaging dive that combines rich historical context with abundant marine life. Its accessible location and intriguing structure make it a must-visit site for divers interested in Malta’s wartime history and underwater exploration.