HMS Russell

Malta Island, Malta

Depth

115m

Visibility

- - -

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Advanced

About HMS Russell

HMS Russell is a World War I wreck dive located approximately 6 km east of Fort St. Elmo, Malta. The wreck, a Duncan class battleship built in 1901, lies at a depth of 115 m and is a boat dive suitable for technical trimix divers. The wreck is 132 m in length and lies completely upside down on a sandy seabed, with her stern section missing. The area is scattered with gun cases, and some guns can be seen on the sand. Diving the wreck requires a special permit and is managed by Heritage Malta. The wreck was opened for divers on 1st May 2019.

The HMS Russell arrived in Malta on the night of 26th April 1916 and struck two naval mines laid by a German submarine the following morning. This caused a fire and an explosion near one of the turrets, causing her to capsize and sink. A total of 27 officers and 98 ratings lost their lives. The wreck of HMS Russell was found in July 2003 and first dived by a British technical diving team. There are two other WWI wrecks nearby: HMS Nasturtium and HMY Aegusa sank in the same minefield on the same day as HMS Russell.

HMS Russell Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Wreck

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

115m

Visibility Range

— – —

Experience Level

Advanced

Best Gas

—

Marine Life

Various

Weather Conditions

Water Temperature ℃

Dive Operators near HMS Russell

View all operators in Malta

Location

Dive Site Hazards

Hazards data unavailable.

Discover More

Discover Malta

Connect with Operators

More Dive Sites

North America - Cuba

Scuba diving in Cuba offers a rare mix of untouched reefs, historic wrecks, and thrilling marine encounters—all set in a country rich with culture and character. Whether you’re exploring the coral gardens of Playa Girón or diving with sharks in the remote Jardines de la Reina, Cuba’s waters are surprisingly pristine and uncrowded. Add in shore dives for beginners, deep wall drops for seasoned pros, and the rhythm of Cuban life topside, and you’ve got one of the Caribbean’s most underrated dive destinations.

Learn More

Europe - Greece

Scuba diving in Greece offers a unique blend of underwater exploration and cultural discovery. From submerged ancient ruins and WWII wrecks to vibrant reefs and underwater caves, Greece delivers a dive experience that’s as rich in history as it is in marine life. With excellent visibility, a long dive season, and dive sites scattered across islands like Crete, Zakynthos, and Santorini, it's a Mediterranean gem for divers of all levels.

Learn More

Oceania - French Polynesia

Dive into the heart of the South Pacific with unforgettable scuba adventures in French Polynesia. From the shark-filled passes of Fakarava to manta encounters in Bora Bora, this diving paradise offers crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and thrilling drift dives. Whether you're a beginner exploring shallow lagoons or an advanced diver chasing pelagics through ocean channels, French Polynesia delivers world-class diving year-round—all set against the backdrop of remote atolls and rich Polynesian culture.

Learn More