HMS Hellespont

HMS Hellespont is a World War II wreck lying just off Rinella, near the Grand Harbour of Valletta, Malta. Originally a paddle steamer, the vessel was sunk during an air raid in April 1942 while in the Grand Harbour. After the war, as the harbour was being cleared, the wreck was relocated and re-sunk at its current position, where it was rediscovered by a diver in 1999.

The wreck rests on a sandy bottom at a maximum depth of 42 metres, with the hull remaining largely intact at 46 metres in length. The bow section is an exception — 15 metres of it were destroyed in the original air raid and are missing. Giant eels are among the marine life associated with the wreck.

HMS Hellespont is a boat dive. Reaching this depth requires a minimum certification equivalent to a deep diver qualification, and Nitrox is strongly recommended. Divers wishing to penetrate the wreck must hold a wreck diver certification, making this a site suited to experienced and appropriately qualified divers.