Le Polynesien

Le Polynesien is a World War I wreck dive located about 3 km east of Marsaskala, Malta. The wreck is the remains of a 19th-century French ocean liner, SS Polynesien, which was sunk by a torpedo in August 1918. The ship lies at a depth of 45 m to 65 m, on a 45-degree angle on her port side. The bow section deck structures are well-preserved, with a front deck cannon and anchor clearly visible. The cargo bay contains motorbike tires and pipes, while the mid-section houses the engine room, which is significantly damaged due to the torpedo impact. The stern section, although structurally damaged, is mostly intact, with the stern deck cannon and propeller in excellent condition.

The wreck is also known locally as Tal-Platti (‘plate ship’) due to the abundance of ceramic plates, china, and glass bottles around the wreck. However, many items have been illegally removed by divers over the years. The Le Polynesien wreck is a deep boat dive, suitable only for technical divers or very experienced divers due to strong currents. As of 1st May 2019, the wreck is managed by Heritage Malta and requires a special permit for diving. The wreck offers a unique glimpse into history and is a must-visit for experienced divers in the region.