Bristol Beaufighter Wreck

The Bristol Beaufighter is a remarkable World War II aircraft wreck lying off the coast of Malta. Built by the Bristol Aeroplane Company for the Royal Air Force, this twin-engine, two-seat heavy fighter measured about 12.6 m in length with a 17.6 m wingspan.

On 17 March 1943, shortly after take-off, the aircraft suffered mechanical problems that forced the crew to ditch it in the sea. Both the pilot and the observer survived the emergency landing.

Today, the wreck rests about 900 m offshore from St Julian’s Point in Sliema, lying upside down at a depth of 38 m on a sandy seabed. This is a boat dive for experienced divers.

Much of the Beaufighter is still recognisable. The wings and main fuselage remain largely intact, though mostly buried in the sand. Both undercarriage frames with shredded tyres protrude behind the radial engines, and the port-side propeller is still attached to its engine — a striking detail for visiting divers.

This historic site offers a glimpse of Malta’s wartime aviation heritage and an atmospheric deep-water dive for those with the appropriate training and experience.