Bristol Blenheim Bomber

The Bristol Blenheim Bomber is a historic World War II aircraft wreck off Malta’s east coast. Built by the Bristol Aeroplane Company for the Royal Air Force, the twin-engine light bomber measured about 13 m in length with a 17.2 m wingspan and typically carried a crew of three.

On 13 December 1941, while on a mission to Kefalonia in Greece, the bomber was attacked by an Italian fighter, which damaged its port engine. The pilot turned the aircraft back towards Malta but was forced to ditch it at sea. All three crew members survived with only minor injuries.

Today the wreck lies about 500 m off Xrobb l-Għaġin on Malta’s east coast, resting at a depth of around 42 m on a sandy seabed scattered with small reefs. This is a deep boat dive suited for experienced divers and can be subject to strong currents.

Very little of the aircraft remains — only the two radial engines and the subframe are left on the seabed, making for a stark but memorable glimpse into Malta’s wartime history.