MV Xlendi

The sunken vessel MV Xlendi is part of a trio of captivating diving wrecks nestled off Xatt l-Ahmar, on Gozo’s stunning south coast. In its former life, Xlendi served as a double-ended cargo ferry for the Gozo Channel Line, acting as a passenger ferry. In a push for more diving tourism in, the ship was deliberately scuttled in November 1999, now serving as both an artificial reef and a magnet for avid scuba divers. Unfortunately, however, there were some issues during scuttling leaving the wreck sitting upside down on the seabed.

Stretching an impressive 80 meters in length, the MV Xlendi wreck is positioned on a sandy slope, reaching depths of approximately 42m on the side closest to the shore. The huge propellers, located at each at around 32m deep, mark the shallowest points of the wreck. Despite its enchanting allure, caution is advised as wreck penetration is strongly discouraged due to the precarious and inverted condition of the vessel. Many passageways are blocked as the ‘top’ half of the wreck has sunk unto the sand, also creating issues with silt.

For those with the expertise and experience, exploring the MV Xlendi still proves to be a captivating endeavour. The vibrant marine life that call the wreck home adds to the allure of the dive. Notably, on the shore side, an additional attraction takes the form of a sunken car.

Adjacent to the MV Xlendi, the ocean floor is adorned with two more sunken treasures: MV Karwela and MV Cominoland, both intentionally scuttled in 2006 in close proximity to Xatt l-Ahmar. Positioned approximately 60 meters to the east of Karwela, Xlendi's still remains a popular option for wreck divers. While these wrecks are typically accessed from the shore, embarking on the adventure by boat is also a viable option.