MV Cominoland: Wreck Diving in Gozo's Xatt l-Ahmar

The MV Cominoland lies off Gozo's south coast, an intentional artificial reef scuttled in 2006 alongside the MV Karwela. Originally a Royal Navy minelayer before its life as a passenger ferry, this 34-metre vessel rests parallel to the natural reef wall on a sandy bottom. Its position and preparation for diving, including the removal of anti-fouling paint, make it a considered environment for divers.

Your descent will bring you to the top of the wreck at approximately 32 metres, with the seabed at 39 metres. This depth range requires careful planning for bottom time and decompression. The Cominoland, while smaller than its neighbour, offers multiple decks and interior spaces, ensuring enough structure to engage your navigation and buoyancy skills throughout the dive.

The wreck stands upright, allowing for a natural tour along its length. You can penetrate the vessel, finding good visibility and ample space within its structure, leading you through what were once working sections of the ship. Many of the risks associated with entanglement have been addressed during its preparation, providing a relatively safe environment for internal exploration.

Navigation around the Cominoland is straightforward, particularly if you are also considering the nearby MV Karwela, which lies just 20-30 meters away. You can explore the wreck from bow to stern, observing the intact winches still in place at the stern, a remnant of its service history. The bridge area, with the captain's cabin roof and mast still present, provides a clear point of reference.

Look for resident marine life that has taken hold since its sinking. You may encounter occasional barracudas moving through the water column, and schools of various fish species often shelter within and around the wreck. Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) are also sighted, adding to the variety of the site's ecosystem.

Specific areas like the mast are noted for housing numerous nudibranchs, providing macro opportunities for those who take the time to look closely. The interaction of marine growth with the ship's structure creates a unique habitat, distinct from natural reefs, drawing a specific community of smaller invertebrates. This micro-ecosystem is continually evolving, offering new discoveries on repeat dives.

While the Gozo coastline generally experiences calm currents, conditions can vary depending on the weather and local hydrology. Be aware that currents can pick up, especially if you venture beyond the immediate shelter of the wreck. Preparing for potential changes in current is part of responsible diving, ensuring that your ascent and safety stops remain comfortable and controlled.