Um El Faroud - Oil Tanker

The Um El Faroud is Malta's most famous wreck dive, a 110-metre oil tanker resting on her side on the seabed off Wied iz-Zurrieq on Malta's south coast. Originally sunk by an accidental explosion while undergoing repairs, the vessel was subsequently repositioned as a diving attraction, creating one of the Mediterranean's most impressive and accessible large wreck dives. The sheer scale of the Um El Faroud is immediately apparent on descent, with the tanker's hull rising dramatically from the sandy bottom. The vessel's length means a single dive barely scratches the surface of exploration possibilities, with the bridge, engine room, cargo holds, and deck structures each offering distinct diving experiences. The vessel's size creates a genuine sense of exploring a massive underwater structure. The wreck has developed into a thriving artificial reef over the years since sinking. The hull and superstructure are increasingly colonised by sponges, tunicates, and marine algae, while the structure attracts impressive concentrations of fish. Large amberjack circle the wreck, groupers inhabit the interior spaces, and schools of bream and damselfish swarm around the superstructure. Barracuda are regularly sighted patrolling the wreck's length. The interior of the Um El Faroud offers some of the Mediterranean's most dramatic wreck penetration diving. The engine room is particularly impressive, with massive machinery visible in the clear water. The bridge area retains navigational equipment, and the cargo holds create cathedral-like interior spaces. The advanced rating reflects the depth, extensive overhead environments, and the wreck's scale, which can create navigational challenges during penetration. Malta's excellent visibility, typically exceeding 25 metres, ensures safe navigation. The Um El Faroud is a world-class wreck dive that belongs on every serious diver's bucket list.