Kategorie: News
Patrol boat P-33 was turned into an artificial reef
As announced for quite some time, a new wreck for divers has been created in Malta. Earlier this month, the patrol boat P-33 was sunk, creating an artificial reef and a new attraction for divers.
The patrol boat P-33 joins the many great wrecks that have been sunk in Malta. The ship was taken out of service many years ago and finally has a new purpose. The wreck has been placed on a sandy seabed where it should not only attract divers but also encourage flora and fauna to thrive.
In Malta, local authorities have been running a program to create artificial reefs for years. Thanks to the intentionally sunk wrecks and the release of historical wrecks for diving, the island is a real magnet for wreck diving enthusiasts. In addition, a good selection of sites for the creation of artificial reefs stimulates the marine flora and fauna.
The team behind the project has sunk the patrol boat between the wrecks of St. Michael and Tugboat 10, two tugs that are also interesting dive sites.
The P-33 patrol boat was discussed as a possible diving attraction in Malta back in 2012. That was when the island's press first mentioned such an idea. As you can see, some time has passed since then, but "good things come to those who wait" as they say!
The main obstacle to the sinking of the P-33 was the concerns of the authorities about effects on the local environment. Fortunately, these doubts were allayed. The ship was properly cleaned and prepared so that it would have no negative impact on the marine ecosystem. A procedure that the Maltese have developed to perfection.
The depth at which the wreck lies is about 20 meters. This makes the P-33 accessible for divers with OWD qualification as well as for many free divers.
History of the patrol boat P-33
Patrol Boat P-33 is a Bremse-class vessel that was built in Germany in 1971-72 and came to Malta in 1992 along with its sister boat P-32 and two Condor-class boats P-29 and P-31, all of which served in the East German Navy. Malta bought her at a bargain price when German reunification occurred in the early 1990s.
The P-33 served as a patrol boat with the Maltese Armed Forces Naval Squadron until it was decommissioned in 2005. Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo said the sinking of the wreck is part of a €250,000 investment that will benefit and strengthen Malta's diving sector.
More information:
Malta on Taucher.Net
Wreck P-31 (Pasewalk)
Wreck P-29 (Boltenhagen)
Divesites Malta on Taucher.Net
Divesites Gozo on Taucher.Net
Divesites Comino on Taucher.Net