Blue Waters Dive Cove
Google 4.9/5 (438 reviews)
3.4 km away as the crow flies
Gozo · Malta · Mediterranean
Max. depth · 50 mMT Hephaestus: Gozo's Deepest Wreck Dive
Explore the upright hull of the 62-metre MT Hephaestus, a substantial tanker scuttled at 46 metres off Gozo.
What makes this site special
- 62-metre tanker in upright position
- Maximum depth of 46 metres
- Engine room and compartments explorable
- Most recent wreck in Gozo, scuttled 2022
- Developing artificial reef with marine life
- Significant surface swim to access
For subtitles in English: start the video firstthen click the gearat the top right of the video, select “Subtitles/CC”, then “Auto-translate” and choose “English”.
MT Hephaestus about the site
The MT Hephaestus lies off Xatt l-Aħmar in Gozo, a substantial tanker 62 metres in length. Scuttled in August 2022, it was intended as a dive attraction, and now stands upright, though slightly deeper than initially planned. Its position makes it the most recent addition to Gozo's deep wreck collection, situated beyond the shallower Karwela and Cominoland wrecks.
Accessing the Hephaestus involves a significant surface swim from shore, distinguishing it from other readily boat-accessed sites. Once you descend, you encounter the sheer scale of this vessel. The wreck settled at a maximum depth of 46 metres, making it a dive primarily for those with deep or technical diving qualifications.
The structure of the Hephaestus is impressive. You can explore the engine room, various compartments, and a distinctive overhang at the bow. These internal sections offer complex navigation and overhead environments, requiring appropriate training and caution. The deliberate scuttling ensured several points of entry and exit, facilitating managed penetration for qualified divers.
Life is already colonising the Hephaestus, transforming its metal surfaces into a burgeoning artificial reef. While still relatively new, you will find early signs of marine inhabitants. This evolution means each dive can reveal new encrusting organisms and small resident species establishing their territories on the wreck.
While not a site primarily known for large pelagic encounters yet, the developing reef structure will attract a range of Gozo's common reef fish over time. Keep an eye out for opportunistic predatory fish and smaller rays making their home among the metalwork. As with any artificial reef, the diversity and abundance of marine life will continue to increase with age.
Diving conditions
This is a deep dive, with depths ranging from 30 metres to a maximum of 46 metres. An Advanced Open Water Diver certification along with a Deep Speciality is the minimum required, with a preference for technical divers due to the depth and potential for penetration. Visibility in the area is generally excellent, often exceeding 30 metres. Currents are typically calm, but monitoring local conditions is always prudent. The site is accessible almost year-round.
Three dives not to miss
Map of hotels, dive sites and dive centres in Gozo
Dive centres in Gozo
Hotels in Gozo
Frequently asked questions about MT Hephaestus
When can you dive MT Hephaestus?
You can access MT Hephaestus almost year-round. Visibility in the area is generally excellent, often exceeding thirty metres, which helps you appreciate the wreck’s scale and structure. Currents are typically calm, although you should still monitor local conditions before entering the water and beginning the significant surface swim from shore.
What level of diver do you need for MT Hephaestus?
MT Hephaestus is intended for experienced deep divers. You need Advanced Open Water Diver certification and a Deep Speciality as the minimum qualification. Technical divers are preferred because of the depth and potential for penetration. Exploring the engine room and compartments also requires appropriate training for overhead environments and careful navigation.
How deep is MT Hephaestus, and what currents should you expect?
MT Hephaestus is a deep wreck dive, with depths ranging from thirty metres to a maximum of forty-six metres. Currents are typically calm, but local conditions should still be monitored. The depth, rather than strong current, is the main consideration, and the site suits divers qualified for deep or technical diving.
What can you see on MT Hephaestus?
You can see a sixty-two-metre tanker resting upright, with an engine room, compartments, entry and exit points, and a distinctive bow overhang to explore. Its metal surfaces are developing into an artificial reef, where you may find early marine life, common reef fish, opportunistic predatory fish, and smaller rays.
