SS Polynesien

The SS Polynésien was a 19th century passenger liner sunk by a German torpedo at the end of WWI. It is one of the largest wrecks in Malta (150m/492ft long), and sometimes it is referred to as ‘the little Titanic’. The wreck is also known locally as ‘the plate ship’ due to the abundance of ceramic plates that are scattered throughout the wreck. The ship also carried an assortment of cargo, including boots, brass beds, and wine bottles. Unfortunately, many artifacts have been pillaged from the wreck. Nowadays, no artifacts can be taken out of the wreck, regardless of their value, because the SS Polynésien is protected under the Cultural Heritage Act. The wreck lies on a sandy bottom at a depth of over 60m/197ft. Due to the depth and the exposed offshore location, this dive site is only suitable for very experienced divers.