First underwater photos and dive on the wreck of the tanker "Hephaestus"

Just after the sinking of Gozo’s newest attraction, we have for our readers the first underwater photos from a dive on the wreck of the tanker “Hephaestus.”

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The wreck of the tanker has settled on the seabed at a depth of about 40 meters. The greatest depth near it is around the stern, where at the bottom the computers will show us 47 meters. Therefore, we can boldly go to the “Hephaestus” even as a recreational diver.

On the other hand, having AOWD, Deep Diver or Advanced Nitrox level qualifications, we will fully enjoy all that the wreck has to offer. Especially since local divers have already hooked up a descent dive on the midship.

Preparation for sinking

The vessel was, of course, first properly prepared before sinking. As in the case of many other wrecks that were deliberately sunk off the coast of Malta, the “Hephaestus” was thoroughly cleaned. Fuels, lubricants and all items that could have an adverse effect on the environment were removed from the ship.

The latest wreck near the island of Gozo is not only safe for the environment, but also for divers. Before sending it to the bottom, the organizers of the whole operation first removed all dangerous elements that could hinder diving.

Sinking of the tanker “Hephaestus”

Based on videos of the sinking, some people were concerned about whether everything went according to plan. Specifically, about whether the wreck settled to the bottom evenly on its keel, or whether it nevertheless tilted to the side during the sinking.

Well, we dispel all doubts in this matter! The tanker “Hephaestus” sank as planned and now stands evenly on its keel. The wreck looks great underwater and is waiting for more divers. Admittedly, the water still has to stand up a bit in the holds to get the desired visibility, but this is nothing unusual. After all, the wreck has just appeared on the seabed and, like any other, needs a while to fully acclimatize.

Choosing to dive on the wreck of the tanker “Hephaestus”, we can also visit other wrecks that are located nearby. Among them are MV “Karvela”, MV “Xlendi” and MV “Cominoland”, the true classics of wreck diving in the region.

Take a look at the gallery.

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Sweden is famous for its magnificent wrecks that rest at the bottom of the Baltic Sea. One of them is the magnificent Bodekull warship wreck from the 17th century, which we visited in 2021. You will read more about it in issue 19. the DIVERS24 quarterly magazine! The digital version of the magazine is available free of charge, while you can purchase the printed version in our online shop.