Wreck draws divers ...and thieves

The recently scuttled P-29 wreck has not just proved popular with divers, but it has also appealed to a few sticky-fingered DIY enthusiasts, who have been stealing whatever they can break off or unscrew.

Simone Brinch-Iversen from the Maltaqua diving centre said: "Unfortunately, bits off the new wreck are already missing, as some narrow- minded persons have removed parts of the instrument panels, numerous nuts and bolts from the chimney, and also the phone went missing just a day after it was scuttled."

The AFM patrol boat was scuttled two weeks ago around 170 metres offshore between Cirkewwa Point and Lantern Point in about 35 metres of water. The boat, which is 62 metres long, is one of a series of wrecks aimed at diving enthusiasts.

Ms Brinch-Iversen appealed to divers to leave the wreck alone, so that it can be enjoyed by others and said the Professional Diving Schools Association was urging the authorities to enforce the law so that dive sites are protected - not just from vandals but also from fishing nets and spearfishermen.

However, on the positive side, she said a "great number of divers" have already visited the wreck and many are asking to return.

"As a dive school we welcome any new dive sites we can offer to returning clients. Over the last years we have lost a number of dive sites, mainly due to entry points becoming too difficult to access," she said.