X127 Lighter

The X127 is a First World War lighter built in England in 1915. She was used as a water lighter during the Gallipoli campaign and later converted into a fuel lighter. She was sunk in Marsamxett Harbour on 6 March 1942, during the Second World War. For years divers knew the wreck as the Carolita, until surveys in 2003 and 2006 confirmed her identity.

The 24-metre wreck lies upright on a slope off Manoel Island at the mouth of Lazzaretto Creek, with her bow at about 5 metres and stern at 22 metres. She is in fairly good condition and attracts small fish, octopus and other harbour life.

It is a shore dive, and access through the marina may need a dive centre’s help. Boat traffic is heavy, so carry a surface marker buoy. Visibility in the harbour varies and the wreck is silty, so penetration is not advised.