Imperial Eagle & Statue of Christ

Imperial Eagle & Statue of Christ, Qawra Point, Malta

Depth: 32m (avg), 42m (max) 

Level: Deep

Overview:

Imperial Eagle is a former ferry boat that once operated between Malta and Gozo and now serves as a deep wreck dive within a designated marine conservation area. Scuttled in 1999 about half a kilometre northeast of Qawra Point, the 45m long wreck sits perfectly upright on a sandy seabed. Adjacent to the wreck approximately 30m from its bow stands the Statue of Christ (Kristu tal-Bahhara), an iconic underwater landmark that enhances the dive sites historical and visual appeal.

History & Background:

• Service History: Built in 1938 by John Crown & Sons Ltd in England and originally launched as New Royal Lady, the vessel served as an excursion ship. During World War II, she was requisitioned by the Royal Navy for transport duties. After the war, she resumed civilian service under the name Crested Eagle before being sold in 1958 to E. Zammit & Co. and renamed Imperial Eagle. Initially used as a ferry between Malta and Gozo capable of carrying up to 70 passengers and around 10 cars the vessel later transitioned to cargo and livestock transport before eventually lying derelict.
• Scuttling: In 1995, the diving community acquired her with plans to create a marine park attraction. Finally, on 19 July 1999, Imperial Eagle was scuttled to form the centerpiece of an underwater conservation area.

Wreck Details: 

• Dimensions: The wreck is approximately 45m long.
• Depth: With its deck positioned at 32m depth and the overall structure reaching down to 42m.
• Position: The site is located near Qawra Reef, with the reefs upper sections at about 25m depth.

Dive Highlights: 

• Accessibility: This is primarily a boat dive tailored for experienced divers. In an underwater valley in front of the wreck, the Statue of Christ (Kristu tal-Bahhara) stands as a commemorative and striking landmark, having been relocated there in 2000 from St. Paul’s Island.A natural rock arch within the reef wall and a large 17th-century anchor wedged among rocks and sandy bottom enhance the sites historical ambiance.
• Wreck Features: There are some rooms and corridors to swim through. With most of the wooden parts rotted away, the wreck now primarily consists of its metallic framework the sole remaining relic of its former bridge being the original wheel.
• Marine Life: Schools of damselfish, cardinalfish, breams, and wrasses are commonly seen around the wreck, while moray eels, scorpionfish, and octopuses hide within crevices. Cuttlefish and nudibranchs can often be spotted along the metal surfaces, and fireworms, sea urchins, and red sponges cover parts of the structure. The deeper waters surrounding the wreck frequently attract barracudas, groupers, amberjacks, and dentex, particularly near the open-sea areas. The nearby Jesus Christ statue, located close to the wreck, also serves as a gathering point for marine life, adding to the site’s biodiversity.

Why Visit?

Imperial Eagle and the nearby Statue of Christ provide a compelling dive that combines historical narrative with challenging deep wreck exploration. The sites intriguing structure, extensive penetration possibilities, and the added allure of nearby reef features make it an essential destination for divers interested in Malta’s maritime heritage and advanced wreck diving adventures.