Depth
0m
Home/ Dive Sites/ Martin Maryland
Marsaskala, SE Malta · Technical · 67-70m

Martin Maryland
WWII Reconnaissance Bomber

A Martin Maryland twin-engine reconnaissance bomber resting at 67-70m off the southeast coast of Malta. The Maryland was operated by the RAF and RAAF during the early years of the Siege of Malta, providing critical photographic intelligence over enemy territory. The aircraft lies inverted (upside down) on sandy seabed south of Marsaskala.

35 deg 51.000'N · 14 deg 36.012'E | Off Marsaskala, SE Malta

70m
Max Depth
67m
Min Depth
~1942
Year Lost
20-30m
Visibility
XR Trimix
Cert
17-27°C
Temp
Book This Dive Dive Conditions
67m
Min Depth
70m
Max Depth
Technical
Level
20-30m
Avg Visibility
Boat
Entry Type
Jun-Sep
Best Season
Depth Profile

History & Background

  • 1940-1942
    The Martin Maryland was among the first US-built aircraft to see action in the Malta theatre, operated by the RAF for photo reconnaissance. Malta-based Marylands provided the intelligence that confirmed the Italian fleet heading toward Cape Matapan, intelligence that led to a decisive British naval victory in March 1941.
  • Loss
    This aircraft was lost over Maltese waters during operations, ditching into the sea southeast of the island. The specific date and crew fate are not fully documented in available records.
  • Discovery
    Located during systematic survey work on Malta's southern underwater seabed. The relatively flat sand bottom has preserved the overall airframe structure.
  • Today
    Lies inverted at 67-70m on flat sand. The fuselage, wings, and twin engine nacelles are identifiable. The Maryland's compact size compared to bombers makes for a site with clear structural detail.

The Martin Maryland is historically significant beyond its status as a dive site. A Maryland from Malta was directly responsible for intelligence that changed the course of the naval war in the Mediterranean in 1941. At 67-70m this site sits at the boundary of XR Extended Range and Trimix planning depths. Part of the SE Malta tec circuit alongside the SS Le Polynesien and HMS Southwold.

0m 20m 40m 60m 67m 70m 67-70m | Twin-engine Recon Bomber Scale: 4px/m
Marine Life

What You Might See

Species commonly encountered at this site, based on depth and habitat. Click any card to read the full species guide.

Dogtooth Grouper underwater Malta 10–200m
Bony Fish

Dogtooth Grouper

Epinephelus caninus
Atlantic Wreckfish underwater Malta 50–400m
Bony Fish

Atlantic Wreckfish

Polyprion americanus
Conger Eel underwater Malta 5–500m
Bony Fish

Conger Eel

Conger conger
Violescent Sea Whip underwater Malta 30–200m
Cnidarians

Violescent Sea Whip

Paramuricea clavata
Feather Black Coral underwater Malta 30–200m
Cnidarians

Feather Black Coral

Antipathella subpinnata
Basket Star underwater Malta 15–200m
Echinoderms

Basket Star

Astrospartus mediterraneus
Red Coral underwater Malta 10–300m
Cnidarians

Red Coral

Corallium rubrum
Mediterranean Feather Star underwater Malta 0–200m
Echinoderms

Mediterranean Feather Star

Antedon mediterranea
Dive Conditions

When to dive the Martin Maryland

MonthWater TempVisibilityConditions
Jan-Mar15°C12-20mWinter; full drysuit or 7mm advised
Apr-Jun20°C18-25mGood; visibility building through spring
Jul-Sep27°C20-30mBest season; optimal visibility
Oct-Dec22°C15-22mGood; stable autumn conditions
Summer visibility
Winter visibility

Currents

Open water off SE Malta. Variable offshore currents possible. Check sea state and forecast wind before departure. The flat sand seabed provides no natural shelter from current at depth.

Entry / Exit

Boat only. Navigation to GPS position required. No permanent shotline on this site. diveshack deploys a descent line to position for the dive.

Equipment Notes

Trimix mandatory at 70m. Twin or sidemount. Stage cylinder for deco gas. Two DSMBs per buddy pair. DAN emergency contact and oxygen kit on the surface cover boat.

Dive Briefing

Safety and planning

Trimix Required 70m max

Pure air narcosis at 70m is not acceptable for safe technical diving. Trimix or Heliox is mandatory for this site. Discuss your bottom mix requirements with diveshack when booking.

Gas Planning Limited bottom time

70m on any breathing mixture requires full decompression planning before entering the water. No solo diving. Agree bottom time and deco schedule with your buddy and surface cover before descent.

DSMB Mandatory

Two DSMBs per buddy pair. Blue water ascent with decompression stops requires reliable surface marking. Inflate DSMB before ascending from depth.

Decompression Discipline Full schedule

Full decompression schedule required. Do not shorten or skip stops. The consequences of omitted decompression at 70m are severe. Carry sufficient deco gas in a dedicated stage cylinder.

Boat Cover Required

Dedicated surface cover boat is required for all dives to this site. Record DAN emergency number before departure. diveshack provides the cover boat with onboard oxygen and first aid.

Emergency

Mater Dei Hospital hyperbaric chamber, Valletta. DAN emergency contact should be confirmed before departure. diveshack staff are trained in emergency oxygen administration.

Book This Dive

Martin Maryland with diveshack

diveshack organises guided technical dives to the Martin Maryland including pre-dive briefing, descent line deployment, surface cover boat, and onboard oxygen. Gas fills and Trimix mixes available from diveshack. Two-diver minimum with full gas and decompression plan agreed before departure. Part of the SE Malta tec circuit, which can be combined with HMS Southwold on a multi-day technical programme.

Book via WhatsApp Send an Enquiry

Technical dive package for this site:

Trimix and Heliox fills available. Stage cylinder rental on request. Ask about multi-day SE Malta tec itineraries when booking.