Diving in the south east of Malta at dive site Carolita Barge

Name divesite:	Carolita Barge
Depth:	3-25m (9-82ft)
Visibility:	5-15m (16-49ft)
Accessibility:	Shore, Boat
Time to visit:	All year around with warmest water in summer (apr-aug)
Specifications:

Carolita Barge is a 23 meter long wreck in the harbor of Valetta located just offshore from Manoel Island. During WWII (April 1942) many submarines were bombed and the Carolita Barge was accidentally sunk in the process. It appears to be a very special wreck as recent research found out it is the only known survival of a 1915 X-lighter. They were originally build for the Gallipoli campaign to supply water to their troops on the Dardanellas, which was of vital interest to create a safe passage to Turkey. It is reached by an easy swim out of Manoel Island and you will see many pieces scattered around the muddy seabed. As it is near the old hospital you will find mainly hospital items such as hospital beds, wheel chairs, car batteries, bottles, amphoras and even whole bathtubs. Other things which can be seen are bullets, typewriters, toilet and other rubbish.

The wreck lies at a steep slope with its bow at 3 meters and its propellers at 20 meters deep. Its torpedo hole in the stern has created nice look troughs. Engine and bridge can be reached as well from the back or through the torpedo hole. It is a wreck with many things to see but still it is not very popular by most divers because of the amount of silt which reduces visibility even further. It is a dive site perfect when the weather is rough. Many of the common fish have made it their home with large schools passing over in the blue.

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