Dive Site Information
In 2013, P29 was recognized among the “10 Most Incredible Sunken Ships on Earth” by Amazing Beautiful World.
Type
Younger Shipwreck
Dive Type
Wreck
Popularity
High
Lenght
52m
Beam
7,12m
Qualification
Advanced
Depth
34m (max)
Shore access
Easy
Point of Interest
Original 1 × quad 14.5 mm gun still in place on the bow
Hazards
To reach the wreck we need to dive in the blue. This can create Vertigo in few people.
History
The P29 patrol boat, also known as Boltenhagen, was a Kondor I-class minesweeper built in East Germany in 1970. It was initially used to patrol the banks of the river separating East and West Germany.
P29
In 1990, following German reunification, it was decommissioned along with all other Kondor I-class vessels and later converted into a patrol vessel by the German Federal Coast Guard. In 1997, she was sold to Malta and renamed P29, serving as a patrol vessel with the Offshore Command of the Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta.
Sinking
After being decommissioned in 2004, she was sunk in 2007 off Ċirkewwa for use as a diving attraction and artificial reef. Prior to sinking, the wreck was carefully prepared to ensure both environmental and diver safety.
Marine Environment
For divers who are not permitted or do not wish to access P29, an abundance of marine life can be observed during external exploration, including sea bream, moray eels, rays, damselfish, cod and amberjack.
In 2013, P29 was recognised as one of the “10 Most Amazing Sunken Ships in the World” by Amazing Beautiful World.