MV Xlendi Wreck: Gozo's Inverted Ferry at 42m

The MV Xlendi, a 77-metre roll-on/roll-off ferry, was intentionally sunk as an artificial reef in November 1999. During scuttling, the vessel unfortunately inverted, landing upside down on the sandy seabed. This orientation defines the dive, as the superstructure and upper decks are now beneath the sand, making penetration into those areas hazardous. You descend onto the hull, presenting a different profile than typical upright wrecks.

Your dive begins with a descent to the top of the hull, which lies at approximately 34 metres. From here, the ship slopes down to a maximum depth of 42 metres on the shore side and 44 metres towards the open sea. The inverted position means the internal spaces are largely inaccessible and compromised by the sand; the original canteen area, for instance, is now submerged in the sediment, making it extremely dangerous to explore.

The most striking features from the outside are the significant propellers located at each end of the old ferry. These are well-preserved and provide a sense of the vessel's original scale. While some access to the car deck is possible at around 40 metres, and swimming through certain sections of the wreck appears feasible, it is important to note that these areas are unstable due to the inversion and subsequent collapse of parts of the structure. Debris and sand are prevalent, making any form of penetration highly inadvisable without specific wreck diving protocols and training beyond standard recreational limits.

Unlike wrecks scuttled specifically for diving, the MV Xlendi does not have designed escape routes. This lack of planned access points, combined with the unstable nature of the inverted hull, requires a higher level of caution. For divers with appropriate wreck penetration techniques, a different kind of exploration awaits, but the primary focus here remains on the exterior and accessible fringes of the hull rather than deep internal forays.

Despite the challenging conditions, the MV Xlendi hosts more marine life than some of the other purpose-sunk wrecks in the area. The hull and surrounding structures offer shelter and foraging grounds. One notable resident is a large moray eel, which has made its home within a breach in the hull, providing a consistent point of interest during the dive. You will often encounter this moray, adding to the site's character.

The rocky reef adjacent to the wreck is also worth exploring, particularly for its resident fauna. While the immediate vicinity of the wreck itself might seem barren due to the sandy bottom, the interaction zone between the artificial structure and the natural reef attracts various species. This contrast in habitats contributes to the overall biodiversity you can observe on an extended dive around the Xlendi.

The general conditions around Gozo typically offer clear waters, meaning visibility on the Xlendi can often be good. You'll need to manage your bottom time carefully at these depths. While the inside is generally off-limits, observing the inverted structure, the massive propellers, and the marine life that has adapted to this unique environment makes the MV Xlendi a distinctive dive, offering a raw, unmanaged wreck experience.