HMS Maori - Comino

The HMS Maori, lying quietly in Comino, isn’t about dramatic drops or pristine visibility. It’s about history and the surprising resilience of Mediterranean marine life. She's a British Tribal-class destroyer, sunk in Valletta in 1942, then scuttled here a few years later. We love the way the forward section, surprisingly intact, sits on a sandy bottom at around 16 metres. You can swim into the remains of the torpedo bay, picturing the crew, then marvel at how a common octopus has made a home where they once stood. Our favourite time to visit is mid-morning, before the day boats get too busy. Look for the elliptical file-shells clinging to the metalwork, their red mantles a vibrant contrast to the barnacle-encrusted steel. We’ve often spotted seahorses here, tucked away amongst the structural remains, and the black gobies are always darting in and out of every crevice. Visibility can be a bit variable, but even on a slightly murkier day, the character of the wreck, draped in scarlet coral and home to porgy and wrasse, shines through. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who appreciates a wreck with a story.

Location
Comino, Malta, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
35.902885, 14.516028
Type
wreck

Wreck History - HMS Maori

Year Sunk
1942
Vessel Type
warship
Cause
scuttled
Tonnage
1,891 tons

HMS Maori was a formidable British Tribal-class destroyer that saw significant action during World War II, including the hunt for the Bismarck. Her fate was sealed during the brutal Siege of Malta. On February 12, 1942, while anchored in the Grand Harbour of Valletta, she was struck by a bomb from a German aircraft. The resulting explosion and fire caused her to sink at her moorings, with her forward superstructure remaining visible above the water.

After the war, the wreck of the Maori was deemed a hazard to navigation in the busy harbour. In 1945, the decision was made to raise what was left of the vessel and scuttle it in a new location. The heavily damaged aft section was abandoned, but the forward half was towed to St. Elmo Bay and laid to rest in its current position. Today, the HMS Maori is one of Malta's most historic dives. Lying in relatively shallow water at a maximum depth of 14 meters, divers can explore the remains of the bow and forward gun placements. While time and tide have taken their toll, it remains a poignant memorial to the island's wartime history.

Marine Protected Area: Manoel Island/Il-Gżira ta\' Forti Manwel

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 HMS Maori

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 HMS Maori

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