Dornier Wal XI

Malta, Malta

Depth

Visibility

- - -

Entry

Shore

Experience Level

Beginner

Dornier Wal XI

Malta, Malta

Depth

Visibility

- - -

Entry

Shore

Experience Level

Beginner

About Dornier Wal XI

The Dornier Wal XI seaplane wreckage is a unique dive site located in Gnejna Bay on the northwest coast of Malta. The wreckage lies at a depth of 5-6 metres on a sandy seabed and consists of part of the fuselage, the sponsons, and some cockpit controls including the rudder pedal. This German-designed seaplane, built in Italy between the World Wars, was forced to land in the sea near Malta due to an engine fire in 1932 and was subsequently towed to Malta. The wreckage, initially thought to be a CANT Z.506B floatplane, was positively identified as a Dornier Wal flying boat by the Malta Aviation Museum in collaboration with the Dornier Museum in Germany.

The Dornier Wal XI wreck is an excellent dive site for beginners and freedivers due to its shallow depth. For scuba divers interested in airplane wrecks, Malta offers several other dive sites with plane wrecks lying between 30 and 42 m deep. The Dornier Wal XI wreck, with its historical significance and easy accessibility, offers a unique diving experience in the beautiful waters of Malta.

Dornier Wal XI Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Wreck

Entry Type

Shore

Max Depth

Visibility Range

— – —

Experience Level

Beginner

Best Gas Mix

21%

O₂

CNS Load (45 min)

5% at 4m / 36%

O₂

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Location

Dive Site Hazards

Deceptive Entry Openings — Openings may become restrictive inside due to angle, collapse, or corrosion.
Surge-Induced Internal Silt Shift — Internal surge can move silt and debris without direct contact.
Partial Overhead Environment — Many wrecks limit direct ascent even without full penetration.

Fine Rust Particle Silt-Out — Disturbed rust particles can rapidly reduce visibility.

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