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Scuba
Diving
in Malta is considered the best diving in the Mediterranean. The Maltese islands are blessed with warm
temperatures, even in winter, clear, unpolluted seas, with
visibility underwater in excess of thirty metres. Hundreds of kilometres of coastline, many of which are still unexplored,
make the Maltese archipelago a favourite with adventurous
divers.
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Luciston Collier
~ 104m |
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Colliers were cargo
ships that carried coal. They were used to transport coal
between ports and to refuel coal burning ships.
The Luciston was on it ways to Malta carrying a supply of coal
for Merchant Ships, War ships, and from the amount of coal that
is scattered around the wreck maybe also to supply a small power
station that might have existed during that time on the Island
of Malta.
The Luciston never reached its destination as it was torpedoed
and sunk by the German Submarine UC22 on 29th November 1916. We
know very little about this wreck but have a lot of information
about the UC22. Apparently the UC22 carried out a lot of
missions with flying colours – the Luciston Collier,
SS Polynesien
and HMS Louvain were some of them. Missions that have
sent many Maltese to their watery grave. From the extensive damage found on the
Luciston we can
confirm that it was definitely sunk by torpedoes and not by a
mine.
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The Luciston
Collier (Gross Tonnage: 2948) was found at a depth of 104 metres
lying on its side off Delimara Point. Wreckage of a World War II
aeroplane was also found close to the Luciston. War Ships never
had names on them therefore the wreckage was studied thoroughly.
We know for sure that this Collier was on its way to Malta with
a supply of coal at the time that it was sunk, the hull is
pointing towards The Grand Harbour. From the structural point of
view one can observe that the iron structure is riveted and not
welded; this also confirms that is a WWI one ship, that it is a
collier there is not doubt due to the amount of coal that is
scattered around the wreck. Although at such a depth visibility
is not great on this dive one can see (besides the coal), the
gun which is still in place, the winch, rope bollards, ladder,
the anchor, iron structures that have been extensively damaged and also the
vent, that was used to clear the air in the engine room.
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The Luciston is an
interesting wreck... because of its depth special precautions and
measures have to be taken while planning this dive. |

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Photos and information on this page were taken from the footage
of the Maltese Documentary Dinja Ohra 4 - Emi Farrugia
© Divesubway.com
- Subway Dive Centre |
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