Built in England in 1969. 1995 explosion: 9 dead. Sunk in 1998 as an artificial reef. Maximum depth 35 m, accessible from shore. 2003 storm split it into two sections. Second largest wreck in Europe.
The Um el Faroud is a huge Maltese oil tanker deliberately sunk in 1998 to create an artificial reef. At nearly 110 meters in length and lying at depths between 18 and 36 meters, it is one of the most impressive wrecks in the Mediterranean. Its intact hull today harbors rich marine life. The tragedy that preceded its sinking (an explosion during maintenance work) adds a historical dimension to every dive.
Built in 1969 in England, on 1 February 1995 an explosion during maintenance work in Valletta's Grand Harbour killed nine workers. It was deliberately sunk off Wied Iz-Zurrieq as an artificial reef and diving attraction. Considered the second largest shipwreck in Europe, it is accessible from shore with about a seven-minute swim. In 2003, a powerful storm broke the wreck into two separate sections, adding an additional point of interest for divers who can explore the bow and stern independently.