MV Um El Faroud Wreck

MV Um El Faroud Wreck, Wied iz-Zurrieq, Malta

Depth: 20 (avg), 36m (max)

Level: Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent

Overview:

MV Um El Faroud is considered one of Malta’s premier wreck dives for recreational divers. This former Libyan oil tanker was scuttled in 1998 off the coast of Wied iz-Zurrieq to create an artificial reef and popular diving attraction. The site offers extensive penetration opportunities for experienced wreck divers amid a fascinating historical backdrop.

History & Background:

• Service History: Built at Smith’s Dock Co. Ltd. in Middlesbrough, England, and launched on 31 May 1969 as MV Seafalcon, the tanker was later renamed MV Um El Faroud in 1973 while operating in Libya. While undergoing maintenance in Grand Harbour, Malta, a massive gas explosion on 3 February 1995 caused severe structural damage and tragically claimed the lives of nine dockyard workers.
• Scuttling: After being patched up and deemed beyond repair, Um El Faroud was towed to Wied iz-Zurrieq and scuttled in 1998, transforming her into an artificial reef and diving site.

Wreck Details:

• Dimensions: Approximately 110m in length with a beam of about 16m.
• Depth: Depth ranges from 15m at the funnel to 36m at the propeller.
• Position: The wreck sits upright on a sandy bottom. A heavy storm in the winter of 2005/2006 broke the tanker into two sections. The port side of the bow section now nearly aligns with the starboard side of the stern section, separated by a narrow gap, while the bow has tilted forward and the heavier stern has settled deeper.

Dive Highlights:

• Accessibility: From the shore, the wreck is located approximately 150m southwest of the designated entry/exit point. A diving helmet statue positioned halfway to the wreck serves as a useful landmark.
• Wreck Features: Featuring an imposing hull, wheelhouse, cargo holds, and towering funnel. A massive explosion split the ship into two sections, creating swim-throughs for experienced divers. The sterns four-blade propeller and accessible engine room add to its appeal.
• Marine Life: The wreck has become an artificial reef, attracting damselfish, cardinalfish, and rainbow wrasse are commonly seen around the wreck, while moray eels, scorpionfish, and octopuses hide within its crevices. Cuttlefish and nudibranchs can often be found along the metal surfaces, and the propeller and mast are popular gathering spots for barracudas, groupers, and amberjacks. The sandy seabed surrounding the wreck is home to stingrays, flounders, and sea urchins, while patches of soft corals, red sponges, and fireworms add color to the structure. And in very special occasions, dolphins and sunfish!

Why Visit?

MV Um El Faroud offers a memorable dive that combines a compelling historical narrative with a challenging underwater environment. Its dramatic layout, resulting from both pre-scuttling modifications and subsequent storm damage, provides a unique and rewarding experience for divers interested in exploring one of Malta’s best wreck sites.