HMS Southwold

Hunt-class escort destroyer mined in March 1942. Bow section lies on its starboard side at about 65 m; stern upright about 300 m away to 72 m. Technical dive only; unexploded ordnance caution advised by the Underwater Malta museum.

Facts

• Region: Malta – Main Island
• Area: Valletta & south-east
• Depth: 65–73 m
• Level: advanced
• Current: moderate
• Type: wreck
• Coordinates: 35.872, 14.5979 (approximate)
• Highlights: Hunt-class destroyer in two sections, stern with depth charges, guns in situ
• Permit: Protected underwater cultural heritage zone declared by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and listed by Heritage Malta's Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit. Diving needs the right certification AND either Maltese residency, a local dive club and Heritage Malta Shipwreck Club membership (EUR 30/year), or a dive school authorised by Heritage Malta; the boat must be permitted by the Unit. No fishing or anchoring in the buffer zone. Go with a licensed operator and confirm current rules.
• Issuer / contact: Heritage Malta Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit
  • Phone: +356 22 954 300
  • Email: uchu@heritagemalta.org
• Tips: Technical/trimix only (>40 m); boat dive.

Sources

• https://underwatermalta.org/discover/hms-southwold/
• https://maltadives.com/sites/hmssouthwold
• https://heritagemalta.mt/departments/underwater-cultural-heritage-unit/