HMS Maori is not impressive because of size or depth. Much of the ship is gone. What remains is interesting because this is not an artificial reef created for divers; it is a fragment of Malta's Second World War history.
Site at a glance
The history
HMS Maori was a Tribal-class destroyer launched in 1937. She served through the early years of the Second World War before being hit during a German air raid on Grand Harbour in the early hours of 12 February 1942. The damage and subsequent explosion left the ship sunk in harbour.
In 1945 the wreck was refloated for disposal. During the operation sections separated, and the surviving bow portion was eventually moved and scuttled in St Elmo Bay. That is the part divers visit today.
The dive
The wreck is shallow, broken and partly buried in sand. Openings, twisted structure and marine growth provide plenty to examine without the decompression pressure of Malta's deeper wrecks. It is also a useful site for photographers who want time to work rather than race the NDL.
Because the remains are broken rather than a complete ship, understanding the history before the dive makes the metal much more meaningful underwater.
Access and practical points
Access is from the St Elmo/Valletta waterfront area. Parking can be less convenient than at purpose-built dive sites, and the rocky entry deserves care when wet. The wreck is offshore rather than directly below the entry.
Small-boat traffic is a serious consideration. I carry a DSMB and avoid assuming that being near shore means being away from boats.
BusaBoy note
This is a good wreck for remembering that depth and importance are not the same thing. At around fifteen metres you can be looking at steel that survived some of the most intense months in Malta's wartime history.
Where it is
GPS reference: 35.90260, 14.51540. Coordinates identify the site area; they do not replace underwater navigation, a current local briefing or an assessment of access on the day.