BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER - Comino

The Bristol Beaufighter, sitting upright at 35 metres off Comino, is just phenomenal. We love a historical wreck, and this one, a British WWII torpedo bomber, has such a poignant story. Seeing it emerge from the blue, intact and largely undisturbed, gives you goosebumps. The cockpit, with its ghostly instrument panel, is still there, and the twin engines are surprisingly well-preserved. You’ll spot schools of barracuda hanging around the fuselage, and resident groupers have made the bomb bay their home. Look closely in the engine cowling for moray eels. We’d suggest going early in the morning for the best visibility, before the boat traffic picks up. The dive is usually current-free, making it a relaxed exploration, perfect for advanced divers who appreciate history woven into their dive. It’s a truly humbling experience, more than just a wreck; it’s a piece of wartime history resting on the seabed.

Location
Comino, Malta, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.924435, 14.503083
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
35m

Wreck History - BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER

Vessel Type
aircraft
Cause
unknown

The Bristol Beaufighter was one of the most versatile and effective multi-role aircraft of the Second World War. This British-built heavy fighter earned nicknames like 'Torbeau' for its success as a torpedo bomber against Axis shipping. This particular Beaufighter was lost off the Maltese island of Comino during the war, most likely during the intense aerial and naval battles of the Siege of Malta between 1940 and 1942. Whether it was brought down by enemy fire or forced to ditch due to mechanical failure, its pilot skillfully brought it down on the water, where it later sank.

Now one of Malta's most famous wreck dives, the Beaufighter sits upright on a sandy seabed at around 35 meters. It is a spectacular sight and a must-do for any advanced diver visiting the islands. The aircraft is largely intact, though the cockpit canopy and one engine cowling are missing. Divers can clearly see the fuselage, the impressive wingspan, the remaining Bristol Hercules engine, and the undercarriage. This is a unique opportunity to explore a legendary WWII warbird in its underwater resting place, surrounded by the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean.

Marine Protected Area: Għadajjar ta\' l-ilma ħelu fil-Qaliet (l/ta\' San Ġiljan)

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 BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER

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 BRISTOL BEAUFIGHTER

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