ABINGDON - Comino

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.

Location
Comino, Malta, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.888890, 14.523611
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
14m

Wreck History - ABINGDON

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.

Marine Protected Area: Fortifikazzjonijiet tal-Port

Best Time to Dive in Comino

The warmest water temperatures in Comino occur in August, averaging 28.1°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 15.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.4°C
  • February: 15.5°C
  • March: 15.3°C
  • April: 16.2°C
  • May: 18.7°C
  • June: 22.9°C
  • July: 26.9°C
  • August: 28.1°C
  • September: 27.3°C
  • October: 24.9°C
  • November: 22.2°C
  • December: 19.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Comino

Nearest Dive Centres to ABINGDON

Marine Life in Comino

Home to 24 recorded species including 12 reef fish, 4 sharks & rays, 2 whales & dolphins, 2 seagrass & algae, 2 hard corals, 1 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ABINGDON

Based on average water temperature of 21.1°C, currents 2 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 21°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories