HMS Southwold

Malta Island, Malta

Depth

73m

Visibility

- - -

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Technical

HMS Southwold

Malta Island, Malta

Depth

73m

Visibility

- - -

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Technical

About HMS Southwold

HMS Southwold is a significant World War II wreck located approximately 2.5 km off Marsaskala, east of Malta. This British Hunt class destroyer, measuring about 85 m in length and 9.5 m in beam, met its fate on 24 March 1942 when it hit a mine and sunk. The wreck is split into two parts, lying some 300 m apart on a sandy bottom. The larger bow part, about 40 m in length, rests on its starboard side at a depth of 68 m, while the stern part, approximately 28 m long, sits upright at a depth of 73 m. Both sections are considered technical dives.

As of 1st May 2019, the management of HMS Southwold was taken over by Heritage Malta, and a special permit is required to dive the wreck. The wreck's sister ship, HMS Oakley (L72), later renamed ORP Kujawiak in Poland, is another deep wreck dive in the vicinity. The dive site is recommended for technical divers due to its depth and complexity. The site is a wreck dive, offering a glimpse into the maritime history of the region.

HMS Southwold Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Wreck

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

73m

Visibility Range

— – —

Experience Level

Technical

Best Gas Mix

—

CNS Load (20 min)

-1% at 71m / 21%

O₂

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Marine Life

Various

Weather Conditions

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Air temperature range (℃)

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Dive Operators near HMS Southwold

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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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