HMS Drifter Eddy

HMS Drifter Eddy is an advanced wreck dive in Malta's harbour approaches, where a small World War II era naval drifter rests on the Mediterranean seabed. These auxiliary vessels served essential roles in harbour defence, minesweeping, and anti-submarine operations, and the Eddy's presence on the seabed connects divers to the less glamorous but vital support operations of the wartime Royal Navy. The drifter's compact hull sits on the sandy bottom, with the vessel's modest size meaning the entire wreck can be explored during a single dive. The hull, wheelhouse, and deck fittings are recognisable, though decades of submersion have caused deterioration and marine growth has softened the vessel's lines. The wreck's small scale creates an intimate diving experience different from the larger warship wrecks. Marine colonisation has been thorough, with sponges, tunicates, and encrusting organisms coating every surface. The compact wreck concentrates marine life effectively, with fish populations dense relative to the structure's size. Groupers, moray eels, and various reef fish inhabit the wreck, while the surrounding sandy bottom supports flatfish and burrowing organisms. The historical context adds interest, with the drifter class of vessels representing the workhorses of harbour operations. Their unglamorous but essential duties in mine clearance, patrol, and logistics kept Malta's harbour functioning during the most intense periods of wartime bombardment. The advanced rating reflects the depth and the harbour approach conditions including variable visibility and potential current. The wreck's compact size means careful buoyancy is needed to avoid contact with the fragile structure. Visibility ranges from 10 to 25 metres. Water temperatures from 15 to 26 degrees. HMS Drifter Eddy provides an intimate encounter with Malta's wartime maritime heritage.