ABINGDON
Protected Area
Fortifikazzjonijiet tal-Port
Why dive here
ABINGDON is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and sea turtles. Water ranges 15-28°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Abingdon, a British minesweeper sunk in 1942, sits upright and largely intact at a comfortable 14 metres off Comino. We love that it’s such an accessible wreck. Not too deep, not too big, it’s a brilliant introduction for newer wreck divers or a relaxed second dive for those with more experience. As you descend, the dark outline of the hull emerges from the blue, surprisingly complete even after all these years. Swimming along the deck, you can make out details like the anchor chains and some of the superstructure. Schools of damselfish shimmer above the corroded metal, darting into the shadows as you approach. Keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into crevices, their heads poking out with a watchful gaze. We’ve often found octopus here too, their camouflage remarkable against the rusty hull. The Abingdon offers a tangible link to Malta’s wartime history, and it’s a site that really makes you feel like you’re exploring a piece of the past, with plenty of resident critters to keep things interesting.
Typical ABINGDON Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
ABINGDON Wreck History
Year Sunk
1942
Vessel Type
warship
Cause
unknown
The wreck known as the HMS Abingdon lies in the waters off Comino, a relic from the height of the Second World War. Listed as a minesweeper, this vessel met its end on April 5, 1942. This date places its sinking squarely in the middle of the Siege of Malta, a period of intense and near-constant Axis air raids on the strategic island. While the specific cause of its sinking isn't recorded, it was almost certainly a casualty of war, likely succumbing to an aerial bomb or a mine while carrying out its perilous duties of keeping the sea lanes open for vital Allied convoys.
Resting at an accessible depth of 14 meters, the Abingdon is a popular dive site suitable for divers of most levels. The 84-meter vessel is broken up but offers a compelling exploration. Divers can navigate through the skeletal remains of the hull and superstructure, which have transformed over the decades into a thriving artificial reef. The wreckage is often patrolled by schools of damselfish and bream, while octopus and moray eels can be found hiding within the twisted metal, making it a rewarding dive that combines military history with vibrant marine life.
Nearest Dive Centres to ABINGDON
Dive shops near ABINGDON
Aquamarina
MALTA BLUE DIVING
Dive Systems
SCUBA MALTA
Dive Med
Cresta Diving Center
Reviews for ABINGDON
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ABINGDON
ABINGDON Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ABINGDON, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
28.15°C
83°F
Current Speed
3.61 cm/s
Direction: SE (123.7°)
Salinity
37.69 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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