Name: Guided Dive
Brand: diveshack

Site Profile

Malta's newest wreck. Already one of its best.

Pre-2018

The MV Hephaestus operated as a 60-metre oil tanker in Maltese waters, carrying oil products across the central Mediterranean. A working vessel serving ports throughout the region under the Maltese flag.
2018

The vessel ran aground at Qawra on the northern coast of Malta. Following the grounding, Maltese authorities initiated a thorough decontamination programme to remove all fuel, oil residue, and hazardous materials from the hull before any consideration of disposal options.
2018–22

Over four years, the vessel underwent extensive environmental cleanup. All tanks were drained, stripped, and inspected by marine engineers and environmental teams. The strict standards required for deliberate scuttling in protected Maltese waters had to be met in full before approval was granted.
2022

On 29 August 2022, the MV Hephaestus was deliberately scuttled at Xatt l-Ahmar, Ghajnsielem, SE Gozo. She settled upright on the seabed at 32 to 42 metres, immediately becoming the fourth wreck in the most celebrated wreck cluster in Maltese waters, joining the MV Karwela, MV Xlendi, and MV Cominoland.
Today

The Hephaestus sits upright with her hull largely intact. Cargo tanks, the wheelhouse, bridge structure, and engine room are all accessible for guided penetration dives. As the most recently scuttled major wreck in Malta, biological colonisation is in its early stages, giving the site a raw, industrial character unlike the older wrecks beside her.

The Hephaestus is unique in Maltese diving: a purpose-scuttled oil tanker that has been open to divers for only a short time. Her clean lines and upright orientation make navigation straightforward, but the depth demands careful gas management throughout. Most divers combine her with a second dive on the MV Karwela or MV Xlendi, both within 200 metres. diveshack has guided the Hephaestus since her first season in 2022.

// Depth Profile · Cross-section view

Points of Interest

Four reasons to go deep.

The Hephaestus rewards divers who plan carefully. At 32 to 42 metres throughout, every section of this site sits in the deep zone. Gas management is the priority; photography comes second. Hire a guide who knows the layout.

MV Hephaestus forward deck and cargo hold hatches, Gozo

33m

Deep Zone · Forward Section

Cargo Hold

The forward cargo hold is the largest internal space on the Hephaestus and the primary draw for penetration divers. Designed to carry oil in bulk, the tank interior is cavernous, with pipe manifolds, valve assemblies, and ladder runs still in position. Silt on the tank floor remains largely undisturbed, so buoyancy control is essential throughout. Access is through the original deck hatches, opened before scuttling to allow safe diver entry. The tank walls are already showing the first signs of biological growth: the preview of what this wreck will become over the next decade. A torch and a penetration guide are mandatory for all cargo hold dives.

// Penetration dive · Torch required · Guide only · No solo entry

MV Hephaestus wheelhouse and bridge with No Smoking sign, Gozo

35m

Deep Zone · Aft Section

Wheelhouse & Bridge

The wheelhouse and bridge structure rise from the aft deck and are the most visually striking section of the wreck. Bridge windows remain intact, framed by the surrounding water column and creating natural light wells in clear conditions. Chart tables, instrument panels, and steering gear are visible inside. The upper bridge deck sits at approximately 35 metres while the interior spaces descend to around 38 metres. Divers can navigate through doorways fore and aft; the layout is linear and straightforward with a guide. The open bridge wings on either side provide natural exits. This is the best photographic subject on the site.

// Best light: morning · Wide-angle lens ideal · 10 min max at depth

MV Hephaestus mast and deck light detail, Gozo

38m

Tec Boundary · Aft

Engine Room

The engine room occupies the aft section of the hull at 38 to 40 metres, making it the deepest penetration point on the Hephaestus. The main engine block, gearboxes, auxiliary generators, and associated pipe runs remain in position, creating a dense interior landscape. Access is via two openings on the port side prepared before scuttling. Silt layers are present on horizontal surfaces and disturb easily. Natural light does not reach this section at depth. A primary torch is required; a backup torch is strongly recommended. Divers undertaking engine room penetration should have prior wreck penetration experience and should be comfortable managing gas at this depth range. Reserved for guided dives only.

// Deep penetration · Dual torch recommended · Prior penetration experience required

MV Hephaestus stern with divers for scale, Gozo wreck cluster

32–42m

Deep Zone · Xatt l-Ahmar

The Wreck Cluster

The MV Hephaestus is the fourth vessel to be scuttled at Xatt l-Ahmar, joining the MV Karwela (scuttled 2006), the MV Xlendi (scuttled 1999), and the MV Cominoland (scuttled 2009). All four wrecks lie within 200 metres of each other, making Xatt l-Ahmar the most concentrated wreck diving location in Malta and one of the finest in the Mediterranean. A single boat position covers multiple dives across successive days. For divers visiting Gozo specifically for wreck diving, this is the only site that matters. The Hephaestus adds significant penetration-focused depth to a location already famous for the Karwela and Xlendi, and its recent arrival means the site continues to develop year on year.

// Multi-dive location · Combine with Karwela or Xlendi · 4 wrecks within 200m

Diving Conditions

When to dive it.

The MV Hephaestus is diveable year-round. The site is sheltered enough to allow access in most weather conditions, and Gozo's open water delivers exceptional visibility through summer and autumn.

Season	Visibility	Temp	Rating
Jan – Mar	15–20m	15–17°C	Good
Apr – Jun	20–25m	18–22°C	Good
Jul – Sep	25–30m	25–27°C	Peak
Oct – Dec	20–28m	21–25°C	Peak

Average Visibility

Jul – Sep

27m

Oct – Dec

24m

Apr – Jun

22m

Jan – Mar

17m

Visibility

Gozo's open southern coast delivers some of the clearest water in the Maltese Islands. Summer visibility regularly exceeds 25 metres, and the Hephaestus's upright orientation means you can see bow to stern in good conditions. The absence of harbour traffic or river run-off keeps the water at Xatt l-Ahmar clean year-round. Winter visibility holds at 15 to 20 metres; well above average for Mediterranean wreck diving at this depth.

Entry & Access

The site is accessible both from shore and by boat. Shore entry uses the established concrete steps at Xatt l-Ahmar, the same entry point used for the Karwela and Xlendi. The Hephaestus lies slightly further out than the adjacent wrecks; a boat or RIB provides the most efficient approach and removes the surface swim. Mooring buoys are positioned above the wreck. Boat access is strongly recommended for first-time visitors and for any multi-wreck day, as it simplifies kit management and maximises bottom time.

Current & Hazard Notes

Mild to moderate current in the channel between Gozo and Comino. Direction varies seasonally but is generally manageable. Fishing line has been found on some deck fittings and the stern section; carry a dive knife. The entire wreck sits between 32 and 42 metres, so no section of this dive is shallow. All divers must plan gas management before descending. Interior penetration of any section is for guided dives only. No solo penetration under any circumstances.

Safety & Requirements

Know before you go.

All diveshack Hephaestus dives are guided. Maximum five divers per guide. The entire wreck sits between 32 and 42 metres; there is no shallow section. Every diver must hold a valid Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent before descending.

42m

Certification Required

Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) is the absolute minimum certification for this site. The shallowest point of the wreck is 32 metres; there is no recreational shallow zone on the Hephaestus. Divers planning cargo hold or engine room penetration are strongly advised to hold a Deep Diver specialty and have prior wreck penetration experience. diveshack guides assess buoyancy control before allowing any penetration.

Adv OW minimum

NDL

No-Decompression Limits

At 42 metres on air, NDL is approximately 9 minutes. At 38 metres, approximately 12 minutes. The wreck sits entirely within the deep zone where bottom time is strictly limited. Nitrox EAN32 extends NDL meaningfully at this depth range and is strongly recommended for all Hephaestus dives. A 3-minute safety stop at 5 metres is mandatory on every diveshack guided dive. Divers must ascend with a minimum of 70 bar remaining in cylinder.

Nitrox EAN32 strongly advised

Group Size & Briefing

Maximum five divers per guide on all Hephaestus dives. The pre-dive briefing at the entry point covers the full dive plan, deepest point, gas management rules, penetration protocols, ascent procedure, and emergency signals. For penetration dives into the cargo hold or engine room, an additional in-water briefing is given on the deck before any team enters the hull. All divers must signal understanding before entry.

Max 5 divers / guide

Kit

Recommended Equipment

Dive computer mandatory. Primary torch required for all penetration sections. Backup torch is strongly recommended for engine room dives. SMB for ascent. Dive knife for deck fittings and potential fishing line. Wetsuit of 5mm minimum recommended year-round; a 7mm suit is advised in winter months when water temperature drops to around 15 degrees at depth. Wide-angle camera lens for the bridge section. Full equipment hire is available from diveshack.

Full kit hire available

Gas

Gas Planning

Minimum start pressure 200 bar. Rule of thirds strictly applies at this depth range: one third down, one third back, one third reserve. Nitrox EAN32 is strongly recommended and available; book your fill when you book your dive to ensure it is ready at departure. Oxygen analysis is performed by divers before each dive. All cylinders inspected and filled at the dive centre before departure to Gozo.

Nitrox EAN32 available

DAN

Emergency & Insurance

The nearest hyperbaric chamber is at Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta, accessible via the Gozo ferry. DAN dive accident insurance is strongly recommended and available through diveshack. Emergency oxygen is carried on site at all times. All guides are first-aid trained. Emergency contact: 112. DAN Europe: +39 06 4211 5685. Malta Coast Guard: +356 2124 9600.

DAN insurance available

Book This Dive

Dive the Hephaestus with diveshack

Guided dives on the MV Hephaestus run Wednesday and Sunday mornings from Xatt l-Ahmar, Ghajnsielem, Gozo. Transport from Sliema including the Gozo ferry crossing can be arranged on request. Multi-wreck days combining the Hephaestus with the MV Karwela or MV Xlendi are available and are highly recommended for divers visiting Gozo specifically for wreck diving. Private charters on the full four-wreck cluster are available on request any day of the week.

Departs 09:00, Wed & Sun, Xatt l-Ahmar, Gozo

Duration Approx. 2.5 hours total

Group Size Max 5 divers per guide

Cert. Required Advanced Open Water minimum

Equipment Hire available, book ahead

Nitrox EAN32 strongly advised, book with dive

Multi-Wreck Karwela / Xlendi combo available on request

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We respond within 2 hours, 08:00–17:00. Booking confirmed by email.

MV Hephaestus