Bristol Beaufighter
Inverted at 38m

History & Background

• 1943
  A Bristol Beaufighter Mk I ditched off the NE coast of Malta on 17 March 1943 following mechanical failure shortly after takeoff. The two-person crew both survived. The aircraft came to rest inverted on a sandy seabed at 38m approximately 900 metres off St Julian's Point.
• 1980s
  Local divers identified the wreck in the 1980s. The inverted position makes the aircraft immediately distinctive: the undercarriage, belly, and engine cowlings face upward, while the cockpit is buried in the sand beneath the airframe.
• Today
  The Bristol Beaufighter rests inverted at 38m. The twin Bristol Hercules radial engine cowlings pointing skyward are the most recognisable features. Advanced certification required. Boat dive only. Excellent gas management essential at this depth.

The Beaufighter's inverted position creates an unusual visual encounter: descending to the sandy bottom, divers first see the smooth belly of a WWII aircraft overhead. Both Bristol Hercules engine cowlings point upward and are largely intact. The undercarriage legs are visible, retracted against the belly. Marine growth is dense; the aircraft functions as an artificial reef supporting blennies, gobies, and several resident morays. Flat sandy bottom prevents silt disturbance on calm days. A natural pairing with the Um El Faroud or the Blenheim Bomber for a full Malta wreck day.