A Wreck with Historical Significance

The Drifter Eddy wreck holds a fascinating historical significance in the waters of Malta. This small drifter vessel played a vital role during World War II, serving as part of the British Royal Navy’s efforts to safeguard the Mediterranean Sea. Drifters like Eddy were used for various purposes, including minesweeping, patrol duties, and support operations.

Before the outbreak of World War II, HM Eddy sailed to Malta to serve as a minesweeper. During those times, minesweepers were usually constructed from wood, and the steel hull of HM Eddy made it unsuitable for such tasks. However, it was assigned to operate in the Malta region due to the ongoing war. On May 26, 1942, while conducting clearing operations, it struck a mine and sank at a depth of 56 meters. Eight crew members lost their lives. Four days later, St. Angelo met the same fate under identical circumstances and at the same location as HM Eddy. The minesweeper bears a large hole on its starboard side from encountering a depth charge. The main wooden deck has significantly deteriorated over the years. Most of the navigational equipment remains on the bridge, indicating the direction in which Eddy was heading before the explosion. The interior contains a substantial amount of sediment, greatly limiting visibility. Diving here is considered hazardous due to the proximity to Grand Harbour and ship traffic.

Difficulty level: Trimix 60 m

Max depth: 56 m