P29 Patrol Boat Cirkewwa – A Must-Dive Wreck in Malta

Explore One of Malta’s Best Wreck Dives

The P29 Patrol Boat Cirkewwa is one of Malta’s most exciting wreck dives. Resting upright at 33 metres, this former East German minesweeper-turned-patrol boat is now an artificial reef, attracting diverse marine life and offering excellent wreck penetration opportunities.

Located just off Cirkewwa, one of Malta’s top dive sites, the P29 Patrol Boat is perfect for Advanced Open Water and Technical Divers. Whether you enjoy wreck exploration, marine life encounters, or deep diving, this site delivers an unforgettable experience.

How to Reach the P29 Patrol Boat Wreck

Divers can access the wreck from shore or by boat.

Shore Entry (Susie’s Pool): Enter via stairs into a natural alcove. This sheltered entry makes wading in easy, even with slight swell. Descend in the bay and swim westward to reach the wreck. Be mindful of currents that can affect navigation.

Boat Dive: Boats can anchor directly above the wreck and deploy a shot line. Be cautious of other divers ascending.

⚠ Summer Tip: A marker buoy is usually placed on top of the wreck, making it easier to locate.

Local knowledge helps in finding the wreck quickly, as it’s easy to drift off course.

Wreck Highlights & Penetration Options

Ship Structure & Depths:

  • The wreck sits at 33m, with the highest point at 21m.
  • The superstructure remains intact, allowing divers to explore various sections safely.

Wreck Penetration:

  • Multiple safe entry points lead into the ship’s corridors and control rooms.
  • Technical divers can penetrate fully, navigating through engine rooms, crew quarters, and passageways.

Combination Dive:

  • Tech divers can combine the P29 with the Tugboat Rozi in a single dive, making for an epic extended-range exploration.

Marine Life at the P29 Patrol Boat Wreck

Since its scuttling in 2007, the P29 Patrol Boat Cirkewwa has become a haven for marine biodiversity. Expect to see:

  • Barracuda hunting smaller fish near the wreck.
  • Moray eels peeking from crevices.
  • Octopuses camouflaging among the ship’s structure.
  • Scorpionfish blending into the wreck’s surface.
  • Damselfish, bream, and groupers swarming the area.

As the wreck continues to mature as an artificial reef, marine life flourishes, creating a spectacular dive site.

History of the P29 Patrol Boat Cirkewwa

Built in Peene-Werft Shipyard, East Germany, the P29 Patrol Boat was originally a Kondor-class minesweeper. Later, the vessel served with the Armed Forces of Malta as a patrol boat for 12 years.

From Warship to Artificial Reef

Before being scuttled on 14 August 2007, the P29 was stripped of all contaminants to ensure environmental safety. Now, it serves as an artificial reef, boosting marine life and providing a world-class wreck diving experience in Malta.

Who Can Dive the P29 Patrol Boat Wreck?

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Safety Considerations & Exit Strategy

  • Monitor gas and depth limits carefully – The wreck sits at 33m, requiring proper air management.
  • Be aware of currents – Conditions can change, affecting navigation.
  • Carry a DSMB (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy) – Boat traffic is common in Cirkewwa.