P31 Wreck, Comino: exploring a Cold War patrol boat

The P31 wreck lies just west of Comino, in an area known as tal-Matz. This 52-meter patrol boat was an East German Kondor class vessel before its service with the Armed Forces of Malta, eventually scuttled in 2009. The wreck sits upright on a sandy bottom, providing clear orientation and a stable structure for exploration. You typically initiate the dive from the surface directly above the wreck, descending onto the bow or stern depending on the boat's mooring, allowing immediate engagement with the structure at manageable depths.

Upon descent, the wreck’s superstructure immediately comes into view, its outline distinct against the clear water. The deepest part of the wreck reaches 18 metres, but much of the deck and main access points are shallower, around 10-15 metres. The P31 is remarkable for the extent of its intact structure, allowing for multiple penetration routes, from the wheelhouse to the engine room. These internal spaces are kept clear of obstructions, designed for safe entry and exit, even for divers gaining experience with overhead environments.

Exploring the P31 involves navigating through various compartments, each revealing aspects of its former life as a patrol boat. You can trace the outlines of its command bridge, peer into the crew quarters, and observe the main living areas, all now open to the marine environment. The large, open decks provide ample space to manoeuvre, giving you time to observe the details of the hull and the beginning stages of soft coral growth that are starting to colonise the metal surfaces. Visibility here often allows for a full appreciation of the wreck’s scale from a slight distance.

The P31’s design with multiple entry and exit points contributes to its accessibility. Its intended purpose as an artificial reef means that safety has been a primary consideration in its preparation, with efforts made to remove potential hazards. This intentional scuttling and preparation makes it a less intimidating wreck than some, providing a solid platform for developing wreck diving skills. The current is generally mild around the P31, making it easier to hold position and focus on navigation and observation within and around the wreck structure.