Diving atUm el Faroud - Oil Tanker (Malta)
Approaching Um El Faroud challenges divers with its sheer scale and the intricate layout of a vessel that tragically fractured into two major sections. This immense wreck, spanning over 110 meters, offers extensive external and internal exploration. Depths reaching 36-40 m (118-131 ft) at its deepest point demand advanced skills, making it a demanding yet highly rewarding dive.
Starting the day at Um el Faroud - Oil Tanker, the ambient air temperature is recorded at 24°C. Ongoing monitoring shows wave heights measuring 1.7 m. This data represents the current surface conditions for early activities.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Everything you need to know about this dive site.
Dive Site Overview
Once a Libyan oil tanker, the MV Um El Faroud met its end not at sea, but in Malta's Grand Harbour following a devastating explosion in 1995 that claimed nine lives. Following this incident, the tanker was deemed beyond repair and purposefully scuttled in 1998 off the coast of Wied iz-Zurrieq, creating an artificial reef and a significant dive attraction.
A subsequent heavy storm in the winter of 2005-2006 caused the massive vessel to break into two distinct sections. Today, it rests upright on a sandy bottom, with its stern section slightly deeper and its bow tilted forward, separated by a noticeable gap.
The propeller sits at a maximum depth of 36 m (118 ft), while parts of the funnel ascend to 15 m (49 ft), allowing for a multi-level dive profile. The 110 m (361 ft) long wreck was prepared for divers with cut entry and exit points, facilitating exploration of its interior spaces, including the large engine room and various workshops.
Um el Faroud - Oil Tanker
Conditions are Excellent
Best Dive Window
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Um el Faroud - Oil Tanker show 24° air, 23° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 19 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
Choosing the ideal time to explore Um El Faroud can significantly alter your dive experience, with conditions varying notably between seasons. Optimal diving conditions typically run from April through November, characterized by consistently good dive scores, generally calm waters, and minimal rainfall. Air temperatures during the peak summer months, especially June through September, range from 24-28°C (75-82°F), making surface intervals very comfortable. Wave heights usually remain below 1 meter, and wind speeds are typically low, ensuring easy shore access. Conversely, the winter months, from December to March, present more moderate conditions. Air temperatures drop to 14-16°C (57-61°F), wave heights can increase to 1.5-2 meters, and both rain and stronger winds are more frequent. Plan for warmer, drier months to experience the wreck at its most accessible and enjoyable.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Accessing Um El Faroud is straightforward for shore divers, requiring a moderate swim from the Wied iz-Zurrieq entry point to reach the wreck. Upon descent, divers are greeted by a monumental structure that demands careful planning to thoroughly explore its vastness. Many divers find that a single dive is insufficient to cover both the extensive exterior and the accessible interior sections like the engine room and workshops; it's a multi-dive site. The wreck's stern lies at approximately 36 meters on the sandy bottom, while the bow section has settled with a dramatic forward tilt. Depths average around 30 meters across much of the wreck, offering ample bottom time for certified advanced divers.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Navigating Um El Faroud demands appropriate certification and diligent adherence to safety protocols due to its depth and the potential for wreck penetration. Divers should hold an Advanced Open Water Diver certification for general exploration, and a Wreck Diver specialty is essential for safe internal exploration. The maximum depth, reaching 38-40 m (125-131 ft) at the propeller, also necessitates deep diving experience. An underwater memorial plaque positioned at 25 m (82 ft) serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic event preceding its scuttling. Always plan your dive thoroughly, manage bottom time rigorously, and carry appropriate penetration equipment to mitigate risks when entering the wreck's interior.
Recommended Equipment
Overhead / entanglement risk. Wreck penetration requires proper training.
- Dive Computer
- Primary & Backup Lights
- Wreck Reel
- Cutting Tool
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Um el Faroud - Oil Tanker, Malta. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
A warming trend is expected over the next few days. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Factors such as dive duration, depth, and activity level can influence how warm a diver feels underwater. Stronger winds may also make surface intervals feel cooler than usual.
3-5mm wetsuit typically balances flexibility and thermal protection in these temperatures. Consider warmer surface protection (like a boat coat) due to brisk winds. Divers preparing to enter the water at Um el Faroud - Oil Tanker will likely find temperatures around 23°C (74°F) today. Surface air temperatures are resting at 24°C (75°F).
Due to technical issues with our weather providers, live updates are temporarily delayed. The data above reflects the conditions at the time of the last successful fetch.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Um El Faroud - Oil Tanker.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN Europe.
+39 0642115685- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Closest Listed Hyperbaric Chambers
Showing listed hyperbaric chamber facilities within 200 km of this dive site.
Distances are approximate straight-line distances and may not reflect emergency travel time.
Hyperbaric Unit - Mater Dei Hospital
24/7 ListedICU CapableMsida, Malta•Approx. 9 km straight-line
Hyperbaric Unit - Mater Dei Hospital
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Gozo
24/7 ListedICU CapableVictoria, Malta•Approx. 31 km straight-line
Gozo
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Azienda Ospedaliera per l' Emergenza Cannizzaro
24/7 ListedICU CapableCatania, Italy•Approx. 199 km straight-line
Azienda Ospedaliera per l' Emergenza Cannizzaro
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Marine Life at Um el Faroud - Oil Tanker
Beyond its structural grandeur, Um El Faroud functions as an artificial reef, attracting various marine inhabitants to its impressive form. Divers exploring the sandy areas surrounding the wreck might encounter elusive Angelsharks, reported to inhabit this specific location more frequently than other sites in Malta. A pack of barracudas is often observed patrolling and guarding the site, frequently seen at heights around 18 m (59 ft) above the seabed, adding a dynamic predatory presence. The wreck itself slowly transforms into a living ecosystem, with initial growths of marine life beginning to colonize its surfaces.
Dive Sites Near Um el Faroud - Oil Tanker
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Dive Centers Near Um el Faroud - Oil Tanker
Working Hours
Today: 08:00 - 17:00
Apnea Total Malta
Starfish Diving Malta
Maltaqua
Dawn Diving
Aida Freediving Malta
Lagoon Dive Center
Mad Shark Diving Malta
Nearest Airports
Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.
Search Flights
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Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum depth of the Um El Faroud wreck?
The deepest point of the Um El Faroud wreck, around the propeller at the stern section, typically reaches a maximum depth of 36 m (118 ft) to 40 m (131 ft). Divers should be certified for deep diving.
What diving certification is required for Um El Faroud?
An Advanced Open Water Diver certification is required for the general dive. If you plan to explore the interior sections of the wreck, a Wreck Diver specialty certification is also necessary due to the complexity and overhead environments.
Can divers penetrate the Um El Faroud wreck?
Yes, divers can penetrate certain sections of the Um El Faroud, such as the engine room and workshops. The wreck was prepared for divers with cut entry and exit holes. However, penetration requires appropriate training and a Wreck Diver certification.
How long is the Um El Faroud wreck?
The MV Um El Faroud is a substantial vessel with an overall length of approximately 110 m (361 ft). It broke into two main sections during a storm, which adds to its expansive and complex layout.
When is the best time to dive Um El Faroud?
The best time to dive Um El Faroud is generally from April to November. The summer months, particularly June through September, offer the calmest waters, minimal rain, and comfortable air temperatures for an optimal dive experience.
Is Um El Faroud a shore dive or a boat dive?
Um El Faroud is primarily accessible as a shore dive. Divers typically enter the water from Wied iz-Zurrieq and swim out to the wreck. Boat access is also possible, but shore entry is common.
What caused the Um El Faroud to sink?
The Um El Faroud was scuttled as an artificial reef and dive attraction in 1998 after it suffered significant structural damage from an explosion in Malta's Grand Harbour in 1995. The explosion tragically resulted in the loss of nine shipyard workers.
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Um el Faroud - Oil Tanker
Conditions are Excellent
Best Dive Window
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Um el Faroud - Oil Tanker show 24° air, 23° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 19 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.