Carolita Barge |
 WW2 wreck done as a shore dive on Manoel Island in Marsamxett Harbour with very easy access. The depth varies from 3 to 21 meters as the wreck is lying on a sloping bottom. The wreck is in a very sheltered location and is good to dive on when everywhere else is rough, especially during winter.
Marine life that can be encountered on this dive are Octopus, small Groupers, Damselfish and Stone fish. Visibility is quite poor especially in windy weather or after rain. |
The Carolita is a 32 meter long wreck of the type X craft water lighters. The design of this barge was done in only 4 days in Febuary, 1915 as it was very urgent to build a batch of 200 of these barges. The barge was sunk on 21st April 1942 when a torpedo struck it in the stern and sank immediately. It was originally designed by Walter Pollocks & Son of Faversham in Kent. 
Various items can be seen sunk in the area such as hospital beds, medical thermometers, clay smoking pipes, clay oils lamps, a car, fire extinguishers, typewriters, bath tubs and wheel chairs all thrown in the sea during or after the war period. The wreck is in an unbelievable good condition. The propelling machinery consisted of heavy oil engines, with the power size of the engines varying due to the urgency of their production. They were mounted with the engines available in the country. 
The bows are long and straight with double bollards on each side. The deck is flat leading to a double access hatch with a ladder leading downwards towards the vessels interior. Towards the stern, is the large covered hatchway that once gave access to the cargo hold. Right behind the hatch, is the wheel house which sits immediately above the damaged stern. The floor of the wheel house is missing revealing the engine room. The torpedo damage at the stern is the only visibly damage to the vessel- although quite extensive. The stern section is completely broken away and leans over on its starboard side. 