HMS Southwold
HMS Southwold, Marsaskala, Malta
Depth: 67m (avg), 73m (max)
Level: Technical
Overview:
HMS Southwold is a striking World War II wreck and one of Malta’s most challenging technical dive sites. This British Hunt class destroyer, measuring about 85m in length with a 9.5m beam, met her fate on 24 March 1942 after striking a mine approximately 2.5 km off Marsaskala. Today, her remains offer a unique glimpse into wartime history in a demanding deep dive environment.
History & Background:
- Service History: HMS Southwold (L10) was a Hunt class Type II destroyer commissioned in 1941 by the Royal Navy. She was primarily assigned to convoy escort duties in the Mediterranean and played a key role in Operation MG1, an effort to supply Malta during the Siege of World War II.
- Sinking: On 24th March 1942, while assisting the stricken oil tanker SS Ohio, HMS Southwold struck a naval mine. The explosion caused catastrophic structural damage, breaking the ship into two sections before she sank to the seabed.
Wreck Details:
- Dimensions: The HMS Southwold is 85m long, and has a 9.5m beam.
- Depth: Ranges from 68m to 73m.
- Position: Located approximately 2.5 km off Marsaskala, resting on a sandy seabed
Dive Highlights:
- Accessibility: Due to its depth and historical significance, HMS Southwold is only accessible by boat. Managed by Heritage Malta since 1 May 2019, diving the wreck now requires a special permit.
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Wreck Features: The wreck is split into two distinct sections, positioned roughly 300m apart:
- Bow: The larger of the two pieces, the bow measures about 40m in length and lies on its starboard side at 68m. The bow features remnants of the main gun mounts, anchor system, hull plating, and visible explosion damage.
- Stern: The 28m long stern section is found upright at 73m. The stern remains upright, showcasing the propeller shaft, rudder, depth charge racks, and parts of the engine room.
- Marine Life: It has evolved into an artificial reef, attracting a diverse array of marine life. Divers exploring this site can expect to encounter species such as groupers, moray eels, and various colorful fish inhabiting the wreck’s structures. The surrounding sandy seabed also provides habitat for bottom dwelling creatures like stingrays and flounders. The wreck’s relatively intact framework offers numerous nooks and crannies that serve as shelter for various marine organisms, contributing to the site’s biodiversity.
Why Visit?
HMS Southwold offers a rare opportunity to explore a wartime shipwreck in exceptional condition, providing insight into World War II naval history. Its depth and structural complexity make it a rewarding challenge for experienced technical divers, while its rich marine ecosystem adds another layer of excitement to the dive. This wreck is a must visit for wreck enthusiasts, history buffs, and technical divers seeking a unique and demanding dive experience in Malta.
