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.

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

The Luciston is an interesting wreck... because of its depth special precautions and measures have to be taken while planning this dive.