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.
Tonight's objective overview for Um el Faroud - Oil Tanker shows an air temperature of 14.4°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.66m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Coordinates
35.8192, 14.4509
Key Dive Site Facts
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.
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.
Climate Historical Averages
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
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
Water temperatures at Um el Faroud - Oil Tanker are currently estimated to be around 18°C (65°F), shaping the overall diving conditions for today. Surface air temperatures are resting at 14°C (58°F).
For the majority of recreational dives here, 5mm wetsuit should provide suitable protection. A thermal robe or jacket is recommended between dives.
Surface conditions are expected to warm up slightly in the coming days. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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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.
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Frequently 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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