HMS Nasturtium

HMS Nasturtium, Off Valletta’s Grand Harbour, Malta

Depth: 65m (avg), 68m (max) 

Level: Technical 

Overview:

HMS Nasturtium is a World War I Flower class sloop of war wreck, resting outside Grand Harbour, Malta, at a maximum depth of 68m. Built in 1915, she was deployed for escort duties and minesweeping operations in the Mediterranean. The 27th April 1916, she struck a mine laid by the German submarine UC-14, causing severe damage. Despite efforts to save the vessel, she ultimately sank in the early hours of 28th April 1916.

History & Background:

• Service History: HMS Nasturtium was a Flower class sloop, designed for escort missions, patrol duties, and minesweeping. She was deployed to the Mediterranean during World War I to protect Allied shipping routes from enemy mines and submarines. Her primary role was anti-submarine warfare and convoy protection, a crucial function given the U-boat threat in the region.
• Sinking: The 27th April 1916, while operating outside Grand Harbour, HMS Nasturtium struck a mine laid by the German submarine UC-14. The explosion caused significant flooding, and despite efforts by the crew to keep her afloat, she sank early on the 28th April 1916. She was one of three ships lost in the same minefield that day, alongside HMS Russell (115m depth) and HMY Aegusa (76m depth).

Wreck Details:

• Dimensions: HMS Nasturtium measures 81m in length, making it a substantial wreck for exploration.
• Depth: The wreck rests at an average depth of 65m, with the deepest point at 68m.
• Position: Upright on a sandy seabed, the wreck is well preserved, offering a clear view of its structure and key features.

Dive Highlights:

• Accessibility: This is a boat dive as it rests outside the Grand Harbour.
• Wreck Features: The wreck remains largely intact, with visible bow and stern guns, deck structures, and military equipment.
• Marine Life: After over a century underwater, the wreck has become a thriving artificial reef, attracting a wide variety of marine species. Large groupers, amberjacks, and barracudas frequently patrol the wreck. Octopuses, moray eels, and scorpionfish can be found hiding in the ship’s crevices. Soft corals, sea fans, and sponges have colonized the structure, adding to its eerie yet beautiful appearance. Occasional sightings of stingrays and eagle rays on the sandy seabed surrounding the wreck.

Why Visit?

For technical divers and maritime history enthusiasts, HMS Nasturtium offers a rare opportunity to explore a well preserved World War I naval wreck. Its historical significance, impressive structural integrity, and restricted access make it one of Malta’s most exclusive deep wreck dives. Diving here provides a unique connection to WWI naval history, where divers can witness a century old shipwreck that tells the story of wartime Malta and the perils of naval warfare.