Patrol Boat P29

Patrol Boat P29, Cirkewwa Marine Park, Malta

Depth: 20 (avg), 34m (max)

Level: Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent 

Overview:

Patrol Boat P29, formerly known as Boltenhagen, is one of the two celebrated wrecks at Cirkewwa and stands among Malta’s most popular dive sites. Originally a patrol boat for the Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta, she was intentionally scuttled in 2007 to serve as an underwater attraction and artificial reef.

History & Background

• Service History: Built between 1969 and 1970 at the Peene-Werft shipyard in Wolgast, East Germany, P29 (then Boltenhagen) was a Kondor I class minesweeper. She initially served in the Volksmarine before being used by the German Federal Coast Guard under a new pennant number after reunification. In 1997, Boltenhagen was sold to Malta and renamed P29, joining her sister ships P30 and P31. After serving with the Maritime Squadron and being decommissioned in 2004, she was acquired by the Malta Tourism Authority in 2005 for conversion into an artificial reef.
• Scuttling: On 14 August 2007, after thorough environmental preparation, including the removal of contaminants and engines, P29 was towed from Marsa docks and scuttled off Susie’s Pool in Cirkewwa, establishing her as a key dive site.

Wreck Details: 

• Dimensions: The wreck is 52m long.
• Depth: It reaches a maximum depth of 34m, with the uppermost part lying just 12m below the surface.
• Position: sits upright on a sandy seabed, with the stern closest to the reef. 

Dive Highlights: 

• Accessibility: Accessed from the shore, it is ituated approximately 150m offshore from Cirkewwa, and lies roughly 150m from the nearby Tugboat Rozi wreck. Underwater navigation is facilitated by clear landmarks, including a memorial stone and an old anchor placed on a sea grass area, commemorating British diver Frank Pembridge.
• Wreck Features: Divers can explore the wheelhouse, control room, and cabins, hallways, storage areas, and the engine room. The gun mount, mast, and stern ladders add to its appeal, often attracting marine life. 
• 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?

Patrol Boat P29 combines fascinating history with a vibrant underwater ecosystem. Its accessible location, clear navigational aids, and intriguing layout make it a must-dive for enthusiasts interested in Malta’s maritime heritage and artificial reef sites.