Depth
0m
Home/ Dive Sites/ ORP Kujawiak
Off Valletta, Malta · Technical CCR/Trimix · 98-100m · War Grave

ORP Kujawiak
Polish Destroyer · War Grave

ORP Kujawiak was a Polish Navy destroyer (formerly HMS Oakley, loaned to the Polish Navy) that struck a mine on 16 June 1942 during Operation Harpoon, a critical Malta convoy operation. Thirteen Polish sailors were killed. The destroyer rests at 98-100m east of Valletta, a designated war grave managed by Heritage Malta. This is one of only two Polish warships lost during WWII in the Mediterranean.

35°53.298'N · 14°38.604'E | E of Valletta, Malta
100m
Max Depth
98m
Min Depth
1942
Year Lost
15-25m
Visibility
CCR/Trimix
Cert Req.
17-27°C
Water Temp
Enquire About This Dive Dive Conditions
98m
Min Depth
100m
Max Depth
CCR/Trimix
Level
15-25m
Avg. Visibility
Boat
Entry Type
May-Oct
Best Season
Site Profile

ORP Kujawiak: Polish Navy war grave at 98-100m

War Grave Notice. ORP Kujawiak is a designated Polish naval war grave. Thirteen Polish sailors died here on 16 June 1942. The wreck is protected under both Polish and Maltese law. A Heritage Malta permit is required for all dive operations. Approach with full respect. No penetration, no artefact disturbance.

  • June 1942
    Operation Harpoon was one of the most critical Malta relief convoys of 1942. The island was under siege and running short of supplies. HMS Oakley, loaned to the Polish Navy as ORP Kujawiak, was part of the escort force. On 16 June 1942 she struck a mine east of Malta and sank with the loss of 13 Polish crew members.
  • Significance
    ORP Kujawiak is one of the few Polish naval vessels lost in the Mediterranean theatre during WWII and represents the Polish Navy's contribution to Malta's survival during the Siege.
  • Heritage Malta
    The site is designated a war grave and is managed under Heritage Malta permit regulations. All dive operations require prior Heritage Malta approval. diveshack can assist with permit arrangements.
  • Today
    At 98-100m east of Valletta. The destroyer hull is largely intact. At approximately 85m long, it presents a substantial structure even at this depth. The Hunt-class profile is recognisable on the wreck.

ORP Kujawiak carries one of the most significant national narratives of any Malta dive site. She represents Poland's contribution to the Allied effort in the Mediterranean at a time when Poland itself was entirely occupied. Diving this site is a privilege extended under Heritage Malta authorisation, and diveshack approaches it accordingly. Contact diveshack to discuss permit arrangements for this exceptional dive.

DEPTH PROFILE · ORP KUJAWIAK · E OF VALLETTA
SURFACE 0m 50m 98m 98-100m 20m
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.

Atlantic Wreckfish underwater Malta 50–400m
Bony Fish

Atlantic Wreckfish

Polyprion americanus
Dogtooth Grouper underwater Malta 10–200m
Bony Fish

Dogtooth Grouper

Epinephelus caninus
Conger Eel underwater Malta 5–500m
Bony Fish

Conger Eel

Conger conger
Feather Black Coral underwater Malta 30–200m
Cnidarians

Feather Black Coral

Antipathella subpinnata
Violescent Sea Whip underwater Malta 30–200m
Cnidarians

Violescent Sea Whip

Paramuricea clavata
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 ORP Kujawiak

MonthWater TempVisibilityConditions
Jan-Mar15-17°C12-20mOperational window tight. East of Valletta exposed to NE wind.
Apr-Jun17-22°C15-25mConditions improving. Best planning window for permit logistics.
Jul-Sep24-27°C20-25mPeak season. Stable surface, best visibility for this site.
Oct-Dec19-23°C15-22mGood through October. Weather variable from November onward.
Summer visibility
Winter visibility

Currents

Variable in open water east of Valletta. Current can run along the hull and must be factored into gas planning. Assess surface current before descent. The wreck orientation relative to prevailing current affects the dive plan.

Entry / Exit

Boat entry only. Offshore position requires a dedicated support vessel. No shore access. Surface conditions east of Valletta can change with NE or E wind systems. Weather window confirmation required on the day.

Equipment Notes

CCR mandatory. OC Trimix possible for experienced teams with full deco gas. Torch required. SMB and spool mandatory for each diver. Heritage Malta permit must be carried on the boat for the dive operation.

Dive Briefing

Safety and planning

War Grave. ORP Kujawiak is a Polish naval war grave. 13 Polish sailors died here on 16 June 1942. The wreck is protected under both Maltese and Polish law. No penetration. No artefact disturbance. No anchoring on or near the wreck. A Heritage Malta permit is required for every dive operation.

War Grave: Polish Navy

13 Polish sailors died here. The wreck is protected under both Maltese and Polish law. Zero artefact disturbance. No penetration under any circumstances. Approach with complete respect for the crew who remain aboard.

Heritage Malta Permit: Mandatory

No dive without a valid Heritage Malta permit. Contact diveshack to discuss permit arrangements in advance. Diving this site without authorisation is a criminal offence under Maltese heritage law.

CCR / Deep Trimix: Mandatory

100m on open circuit is impractical for any survey work. CCR or full OC Trimix with complete decompression planning is required. Gas planning must be confirmed before any permit application is progressed.

Decompression planning

Plan for 60-90 minutes minimum total ascent time on CCR from 100m. Full bailout gas for complete ascent must be in place before descent. No decompression improvisation.

Surface support

Dedicated support boat with experienced tender required. VHF radio, DAN kit, pre-arranged hyperbaric contact. The tender must remain on station for the full dive duration.

Emergency contacts

Mater Dei Hospital hyperbaric chamber, Valletta. Pre-dive notification of chamber duty doctor recommended at this depth. DAN Europe emergency contacts confirmed before departure from port.

Enquire About This Dive

Dive ORP Kujawiak with diveshack

War Grave Notice. ORP Kujawiak is a Polish naval war grave protected under Maltese and Polish law. A Heritage Malta permit is required before any dive can be arranged. diveshack will assist with permit coordination for qualified technical divers. This information is provided for historical and operational reference.

ORP Kujawiak requires advance Heritage Malta permit coordination before any dive can proceed. diveshack works with Heritage Malta to facilitate access for qualified CCR divers. Contact us with your technical qualifications, CCR certification level, and proposed dive dates to begin the permit process.

This dive is offered as part of the diveshack technical programme. Group size is strictly limited for operational and safety reasons.

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Tec dive package for this site:

Heritage Malta permit required. Contact diveshack to begin the permit application process before booking. This site is managed with full respect for the Polish sailors who died here on 16 June 1942.