M/T Um El -Faroud was built in 1969 at Smith Dock Co. Ltd., Middles borough England and was owned by the General National Maritime Transport Company, Tripoli (GNMTC).

It had been operating between Italy and Libya carrying refined fuel up to 1st February 1995. On the 3rd February 1995 it was docked at No.3 Dock of Malta Dry-docks. During the night of the 3rd February an explosion occurred in No.3 centre tank and 9 shipyard workers lost their lives. The vessel suffered structured deformation and was considered following inspection and survey, a total write off.  It had been occupying this dock ever since the explosion until it was decided that the best option to utilize its remaining value was to scuttle her as a diving attraction and to start a new life as an artificial reef. 

N 35’ 49.20 / E 014’27.04 stern closest to the inlet approximately 8 minutes normal underwater swim away from point of entry following a 270’ bearing.

Divers might come across some squid and barracudas at the stern. The port side is usually teeming with large schools of sea breams, parrotfish and silversides. Sometimes one can come across the occasional amberjack and Tuna

The wreck can be entered fairly easily, especially since a storm split the oil tanker in two.  This has made the Um El Faroud an even better wreck dive.