Patrol Boat P29 (Boltenhagen) is one of the two wrecks in Cirkewwa and one of the most popular dive sites in Malta. P29 was a former patrol boat for the Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta. She was intentionally scuttled in 2007 to serve as scuba diving attraction and artificial reef. Before scuttling the wreck was made safe both environmentally and for divers.
P29 patrol boat lies about 150 m off shore from Cirkewwa and approximately 150 m distance from Tugboat Rozi wreck. P29 wreck is 52 m long, and sits upright at a depth of 34 m with the highest part at only 12 m deep from the surface. Many areas were left open for the experienced divers to explore and penetrate the wreck. For divers choosing not to enter P29, there is plenty of marine life to view during exploration of the exterior.
P29 wreck is usually dived from the shore. During summer season there is a big yellow buoy marking the wreck. When diving from the shore, either surface swim to the buoy, or swim in the midwater. There are two landmarks on the way to make the underwater navigation easier: first a memorial stone on sand and then an old anchor on sea grass area. The commemorative plaque is there in memory of a British diver Frank Pembridge.
Similar Patrol Boat P31 wreck was scuttled in shallower water off Comino island two years later in 2009.
* Text & Images courtesy of Malta Dives.com