Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1536333
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 13 JUNE 2025 NEWS Gozo's dive call spots within minutes. From the north coast to the south of Gozo, it only takes 5 to 20 minutes to get to these sites, and you're div- ing into an area with so much variety." This differs significant- ly from abroad, where reaching some diving locations involves lengthy journeys. While recreational diving re- mains the most popular, techni- cal diving could be a bonus or an essential in Gozo. Tackling some of the island's dive sites found at greater depths can necessitate longer underwater stays, thus re- quiring technical diving. Brian delves into the detail of what is technical diving as this involves more equipment and specialized knowledge. One needs multi- ple tanks and gases and careful management of depth, time and decompression stops. Technical divers have the opportunity to ex- plore the wrecks and archaeolog- ical sites found at certain depths. It is clear that when it comes to wrecks, this is like opening yet another spellbinding facet of diving in Gozo. Beyond the arti- ficially created wrecks, Brian is fascinated by the authentic his- torical wrecks dating back to the First and Second World Wars as wrecks that have a story behind them. "Diving on a wreck from the First or Second World War is like diving into history," he says. On the other hand, the wrecks off the southern coast of Gozo, such as the wrecks of MV Xlendi, the Karwela and the MV Comi- noland, provide excellent op- portunities for technical divers. These wrecks, which have been scuttled in the past years, serve as artificial reefs and intriguing dive sites. Asked about his T-shirt embla- zoned with "Phoenician Ship- wreck: Dive into History", Brian effortlessly dives into an explana- tion of yet another kind of wreck. He describes that possibly the Phoenician Shipwreck Project is one of the most interesting things he has been involved in. This pro- ject is an ongoing archaeological effort to explore and protect an ancient Phoenician shipwreck off Gozo's coast. The wreck, lying at a depth of around 110 meters, has been remarkably well-preserved because of the profound depth where it lies. This site is off-lim- it to public diving, but Brian has had the privilege of joining the diving expeditions to the site with Heritage Malta. In addition to the Phoenician shipwreck, Brian explains there's also the Tower Wreck Project, which focuses on the remains of ancient shipwrecks near the Xlendi Tower. "The Tower Wreck Project is possibly a mix of Roman and Phoenician wrecks," Brian explains. Thousands of am- phorae and other artefacts are scattered across the site, which spans around 67,000 square me- tres, and this site might be one of the most significant archaeolog- ical sites in the Mediterranean. While studies and photogram- metry (the 3D mapping of the bottom) are ongoing, Heritage Malta, Malta's national agency responsible for historical and cultural sites, opened the Tower Wreck site as a protected site to the public in 2024. Two diving chartered routes were created for technical divers, and diving in this protected area requires a permit from Heritage Malta. While daytime dives offer their unique experience, Brian also highlights the thrill of night div- ing. Nighttime diving is not highly requested because while on holi- day, many divers might prefer to enjoy the balmy Mediterranean evenings unwinding after a day at sea. However, night diving is when the underwater world truly comes alive. Many creatures, like octopuses and moray eels, are more active at night. "If you want to see marine life in its most nat- ural form, night diving is the way to go," he says. Brian's favourite location for night diving is Mġarr ix-Xini, known for its abundance of nocturnal marine life. He con- siders it a five-star diving spot and encounters with various creatures, such as sand eels, oc- topuses, and tun shells (Tonna galea), are the norm. The latter is a Mediterranean shell that can grow up to 30 centimetres and spends its day hidden in the sand, coming out to eat at night. If you're considering a diving holiday, Gozo awaits. Whether you're a curious novice or a sea- soned technical diver, Gozo's un- derwater spell is ready to enchant you. With its rich history, fasci- nating topography, marine life, and accessible dive sites, Gozo keeps calling all those who desire to explore its hidden wonders. Diving instructors like Brian, for whom diving is second nature, are key to opening Gozo's under- water realm for those yet to expe- rience it. Diving in Gozo