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.
LE POLYNESIEN
Length:
152 metres
Gross
Tonnage: 6659 tons
Displacement: 10300 tons
Passengers: 172 First Class, 71 Second Class, 109 Third Class, 234
"Rationnaires"
Propulsion: 1 Steam Engine, heated 12 coal boilers allowing a speed or 17.5
knots.
Le Polynesien was
launched on the 18th April 1890 by Marie Francois Sadi
Carnot, President of the Republic of France.
The
Polynesien was built for "La Compagnie des Messageries
Maritimes" at La Ciotat in France like her sister ships
"Australien", "Armand Behic" and "Ville De La Ciotat".
The ships were quickly recognisable by their length, low
profile on the water, and by their double funnels
painted black. The ships were painted white between 1895
till 1905.
In 1891 Le
Polynesien began her service operating between France
and Australia. In 1914 it started its work for the
French Ministry as a troop ship.
On the 10th August 1918 Le Polynesien was part of a
convoy approaching Malta. At 10.30am she was hit by a
Torpedo from the U Boot UC22 and sank 7 miles outside
the entrance of Valletta Grand Harbour – Malta, 10
people lost their lives.
It took thirty
five minutes for the vessel to sink and lies on a sandy bottom
almost intact at a depth of about 60 metres. The wreck is
found listed on the port side at an angle of 45 degrees. The
upper starboard side is the shallowest part of the dive.
There are two deck guns, one at the bow and one at the stern.
The engine room which took the direct hit of the torpedo is
extensively damaged.
Nicknamed
the plate ship or in Maltese 'Tal-Platti' due to the
number of plates and other artefacts that can still be
found on the wreck.
Special
care must be taken while planning this dive to its
depth.
Malta Marine Foundation Website & Scuba Diving Malta,
Gozo, Comino by Peter Lemon used as reference.
