ANTONIO E FRANCESCO
Why dive here
ANTONIO E FRANCESCO 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 Antonio E Francesco is a bit of a local legend, sunk back in '86 after an unfortunate encounter with the MV 'Couple Cross'. We love this wreck for its character, even though it’s deep – topping out at 55 metres. You’ll definitely need your advanced certs and good air consumption. Dropping down, the trawler emerges from the blue, upright and surprisingly intact on the seabed. It’s got that classic fishing boat shape, wheelhouse still there, fishing gear draped across the deck. Inside, if you're comfortable with a penetration, the holds are surprisingly open, offering glimpses of rusted machinery and collapsed decking. We've often found conger eels peeking out from behind bulkhead openings and schools of glasseyes schooling in the darker corners. Look closely at the hull for nudibranchs, especially around the growth. The sheer depth often means fewer divers, giving it a peaceful, almost solemn feel. We’d suggest diving it mid-morning; the light plays really nicely off the deck, illuminating the structure without being too harsh.
Typical ANTONIO E FRANCESCO Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 55m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
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.
ANTONIO E FRANCESCO Wreck History
Year Sunk
1986
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
collision
The Antonio e Francesco was a hard-working fishing trawler plying the waters of the Mediterranean. Its career came to an abrupt and tragic end on July 30, 1986. While navigating the channel between Malta and Gozo, it was involved in a collision with the much larger Panamanian-flagged motor vessel, the Couple Cross. The impact was catastrophic for the small trawler, which quickly foundered and sank beneath the waves.
Today, the Antonio e Francesco lies upright on a sandy seabed at a depth of 55 meters, just off the coast of the small island of Comino. This depth places it firmly in the realm of technical diving, requiring specialized training and equipment. The wreck is relatively small but remarkably intact, offering a complete vessel to explore. Divers can admire its classic trawler lines, the wheelhouse, and the fishing gear still present on its decks. The clear Maltese waters often provide excellent visibility, making the descent onto this perfectly preserved time capsule a truly memorable experience for qualified tech divers.
Reviews for ANTONIO E FRANCESCO
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ANTONIO E FRANCESCO
ANTONIO E FRANCESCO Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ANTONIO E FRANCESCO, 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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