MV Cominoland

MV Cominoland, Xatt l-Ahmar, Gozo, Malta

Depth: 30m (avg), 45m (max)

Level: Deep and Wreck

Overview:

MV Cominoland is one of three diving wrecks off the shore of Xatt l-Ahmar on the south-eastern coast of Gozo. Formerly a passenger ship operated by Captain Morgan Cruises on day trips around Comino and harbour cruises around Valletta, she was scuttled in August 2006 alongside MV Karwela to create an artificial reef for scuba diving.

History & Background: 

• Service History: Built in England by Philip & Son Ltd in 1942 as an M class small minelayer, the ship originally served in the Royal Navy under the names Miner VI (N16) and M6. After her naval career, she was sold to E. Zammit & Sons in 1966 and converted into a ferry operating between Valletta and Comino. Over the years she was renamed first Minor IV, then MV Minor Eagle, and in 1976 became MV Cominoland. In 1980 she was converted for pleasure cruising as MV Jylland II, and by 1982 she reverted to the name MV Cominoland, operating day cruises for tourists.
• Scuttling: On 12th August 2006, the Gozo Tourism Association scuttled MV Cominoland along with MV Karwela. Before sinking, the vessel was made environmentally safe and modified for diver penetration by cutting several openings. Buoyancy tanks and lift bags ensured that the wreck landed upright on the sandy seabed, in contrast to the upturned MV Xlendi. As an experimental measure to encourage marine colonization, Cominoland was completely stripped of its outer paint, whereas Karwela was left painted.

Wreck Details:

• Dimensions: The wreck is approximately 35m long.
• Depth: Its structure comprises two decks: the wreck begins at about 32m, with the main deck at 35m and the bows descending to approximately 39m. 
• Position: It sits perfectly upright on a sandy bottom with a maximum depth of around 40m.

Dive Highlights: 

• Accessibility: The wreck is typically dived as a shore dive, though boat access is also possible. MV Cominoland lies roughly 60m east of MV Karwela, making it the second most frequently dived wreck in the area more intriguing than the upturned MV Xlendi yet smaller and slightly farther from shore than Karwela.
• Wreck Features: The wreck remains intact, featuring a solid hull, multiple decks, and open passageways. Divers can explore the bridge, wheelhouse, staircases, and railings, all covered in marine growth. With good visibility and exciting swim-throughs, the Cominoland is a top wreck dive for advanced divers in Gozo.
• Marine Life: Schools of damselfish, cardinalfish, and rainbow wrasse frequently swim around the wreck, while moray eels, scorpionfish, and octopuses hide in crevices. The decks and railings are often covered in soft corals, red sponges, and fireworms, adding texture and color. Cuttlefish and nudibranchs can be spotted along the metal surfaces, while barracudas and amberjacks occasionally pass by, hunting in open water. The surrounding sandy seabed may reveal stingrays, sea urchins, starfish, and the lucky seahorse back at the reef, making the Cominoland a great dive site for both wreck exploration and marine life encounters.

Why Visit?

MV Cominoland presents a fascinating blend of maritime history and underwater adventure. Its carefully prepared structure, safe penetration points, and engaging layout make it a must-visit wreck for divers exploring Gozo’s underwater attractions.