SS Polynesien

French Risbec-class liner used as a troop transport, torpedoed by a German submarine in 1918. Lies on its port side at a 45-degree angle at about 68 m (Underwater Malta) / 65 m (maltadives). Technical dive.

Facts

• Region: Malta – Main Island
• Area: Valletta & south-east
• Depth: 50–68 m
• Level: advanced
• Current: moderate
• Type: wreck
• Coordinates: 35.8576, 14.6051 (approximate)
• Highlights: 152 m French liner torpedoed 1918, lies on port side at 45 degrees, bathtubs, bed frames visible
• 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/ss-polynesien/
• https://maltadives.com/sites/lepolynesien
• https://heritagemalta.mt/departments/underwater-cultural-heritage-unit/