Depth
0m
Home/ Dive Sites/ Stuka JU-87
NE Malta Coast · CCR / XR Trimix · 100m+

Stuka JU-87
WWII dive bomber at 100m

A Junkers JU-87 Stuka dive bomber lying at over 100m on the NE Malta seabed. Discovered in 2015 and subsequently featured in a National Geographic documentary, the aircraft is severely damaged from the impact of crashing into the water but remains positively identified by its distinctive fixed undercarriage and inverted gull wing. One of the deepest WWII aircraft wrecks accessible in the Mediterranean.

NE Malta Coast  |  Exact GPS position withheld (permit site)
100m+
Max Depth
100m+
Min Depth
2015
Discovered
20-30m
Visibility
CCR / XR
Cert Req.
17-27°C
Water Temp
Book This Dive Dive Conditions
100m+
Depth
CCR/XR
Level
2015
Discovered
20-30m
Avg. Visibility
Boat
Entry Type
May-Oct
Best Season
Depth Profile

History & Background

  • 1940-1943
    Junkers JU-87 Stuka dive bombers operated extensively over Malta during the Siege. II. Fliegerkorps and later III. Fliegerkorps flew hundreds of sorties against Grand Harbour, the airfields at Luqa, Hal Far and Ta' Qali, and Royal Navy shipping. The Stuka's accuracy made it the principal anti-shipping and harbour attack aircraft in the Axis order of battle over Malta.
  • Loss
    This JU-87 was lost over the sea off NE Malta during operations. The aircraft entered the water steeply, consistent with a combat loss or dive bombing mission gone wrong, resulting in significant airframe damage on impact with the sea surface at speed.
  • 2015
    Discovered during technical survey operations off the NE Malta coast. The find was subsequently featured in a National Geographic documentary, bringing international attention to Malta's deep WWII underwater aviation heritage. Identity confirmed by the JU-87's characteristic fixed undercarriage and inverted gull wing configuration, both recognisable despite impact damage.
  • Today
    Lying at over 100m, the wreck is beyond open-circuit Trimix limits for most divers and is best suited to CCR operations. Impact damage is significant but key identifying features of the aircraft type are preserved on the seabed. The site requires Heritage Malta coordination to access.

The JU-87 Stuka is among the most visually distinctive WWII aircraft, its fixed undercarriage and screaming siren lending it an intimidating presence even as a wreck. At this depth, the combination of technical preparation required and historical significance makes the Stuka one of Malta's most challenging and rewarding underwater objectives. Pairs with the JU-88 North and JU-88 South for a technical Axis aircraft programme.

STUKA JU-87 DEPTH PROFILE (100m+) TEC 0 30 50 100 100m+ JU-87 STUKA (IMPACT DAMAGE)
Points of Interest

Stuka JU-87: what to look for

Stuka JU-87 inverted gull wing Malta 100m
100m+

Inverted Gull Wing

The JU-87's defining feature: the inverted gull wing that angled the landing gear vertical despite the fixed undercarriage design. Even in its damaged state, the characteristic wing bend is identifiable and confirms the aircraft type.

Stuka fixed undercarriage Malta wreck
100m+

Fixed Undercarriage

The JU-87's non-retractable fixed undercarriage with its distinctive spats was a principal identification feature. The undercarriage legs are visible and confirm this as a Stuka rather than another Axis bomber type.

Junkers Jumo 211 engine Malta deep wreck
100m+

Jumo 211 Engine

The Junkers Jumo 211 inverted-V12 engine at the nose. Impact damaged the cowling but the engine block is identifiable. The Jumo 211 produced up to 1,300hp in later variants, giving the JU-87D its improved performance over early models.

National Geographic Stuka Malta documentary site
100m+

National Geographic Site

This specific wreck was featured in a National Geographic documentary following its 2015 discovery. The documentary brought the site to international attention and is one of very few JU-87 wrecks confirmed accessible to technical divers anywhere in the world.

Dive Site Card

Collect the card.

Stuka JU-87 Aircraft Wreck Malta 100m dive site card
Dive Conditions

When to dive the Stuka JU-87

MonthWater TempVisibilityConditions
Jan-Mar15-17°C15-25mPossible in weather window. Gas logistics more demanding in winter.
Apr-Jun17-22°C20-28mImproving conditions. Suitable for planning CCR technical dives.
Jul-Sep24-27°C22-30mPeak season. Best visibility and settled surface conditions.
Oct-Dec19-23°C18-25mGood through October. Weather variable from November.
Summer visibility
Winter visibility

Currents

Open NE Malta coast. Variable current conditions depending on sea state and wind direction. Full weather assessment required before any 100m+ operation. Check Windguru and Windy for NE Malta, minimum 48 hours ahead.

Entry / Exit

Boat dive only. GPS descent to 100m+. No permanent mooring. Surface support vessel with dedicated tender required. Recovery plan for CCR diver must be confirmed before descent.

Equipment Notes

CCR or open-circuit XR Trimix with stage cylinders for this depth. Drysuit strongly recommended. Redundant buoyancy. Full deco schedule planned in advance. Two DSMBs per diver. DAN membership current.

Dive Briefing

Safety and planning

CCR or XR Trimix Only

100m+ is beyond practical open-circuit diving for most configurations. CCR is the recommended platform. Open-circuit XR Trimix is possible with appropriate stage strategy but demands extensive gas planning. No OC air or recreational Nitrox at this depth.

Decompression Obligation

All dives to 100m+ carry significant decompression obligations. Full deco schedule calculated in advance using appropriate decompression software. No improvised deco profiles. Gas reserves for worst-case deco scenario must be available.

DSMB Mandatory

Blue water ascent from depth. Two DSMBs minimum per diver. Deploy from first deco stop. Surface vessel must maintain visual contact throughout ascent. Reel and spool per diver with redundant line cutter.

Site Permit

This site falls under Heritage Malta jurisdiction. Access arrangements must be confirmed before diving. diveshack manages the permitting process for guided technical expeditions. Independent dive operations require separate permit applications.

Wreck Condition

Impact damage means the airframe is not structurally sound. Do not enter or move wreckage. Debris may be unstable. Observe from a safe distance and maintain neutral buoyancy throughout. The wreck is a protected heritage site.

Emergency Contacts

Mater Dei Hospital hyperbaric chamber, Malta. DAN Europe emergency line confirmed active before departure. Surface support team to hold all emergency contacts and coordinates of nearest vessel throughout the operation.

Book This Dive

Dive the Stuka JU-87 with diveshack

The Stuka JU-87 at 100m is one of Malta's most demanding and historically significant technical targets. diveshack operates guided CCR and XR Trimix expeditions to this site, managing Heritage Malta site access, full technical briefing, and surface support throughout the operation.

Contact diveshack to confirm your CCR or XR Trimix qualification level and discuss gas planning, permit timing, and site logistics before booking. Expedition slots are limited.

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Relevant package for this site:

The Stuka pairs well with the JU-88 North and JU-88 South for an Axis aircraft expedition programme over Malta.