HMD Trusty Star

Malta, Malta

Depth

90m

Visibility

- - -

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Technical

HMD Trusty Star

Malta, Malta

Depth

90m

Visibility

- - -

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Technical

About HMD Trusty Star

The HMD Trusty Star is a historical World War II wreck dive located approximately 3 km off Fort St. Elmo in Valletta, Malta. This British drifter, converted to a minesweeper, sank in 1942 after hitting a mine outside Grand Harbour. The wreck, discovered in 2016, lies at a depth of 90 m and is about 26 m in length. It rests on a sandy seabed at a 45-degree angle on its starboard side, covered in silt and largely intact. This dive site is suitable for technical trimix divers and requires a special permit managed by Heritage Malta.

The HMD Trusty Star was built in 1919 and served the British Royal Navy. It was originally named HMT Groundswell, later renamed FV Elie Ness when used in the fishing industry in Scotland, and finally renamed HMD Trusty Star when converted to a minesweeper in 1939. On 10th June 1942, while clearing mines laid by German S-boats, it hit a mine and sank. The wreck was opened for diving on 1st May 2019, along with seven other WWI and WWII wrecks. This dive site offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of naval history.

HMD Trusty Star Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Wreck

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

90m

Visibility Range

— – —

Experience Level

Technical

Best Gas Mix

—

CNS Load (20 min)

-1% at 88m / 21%

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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