Maltese patrol boat P31

Maltese patrol boat P31 is a former German patrol boat that was later operated by the Armed Forces of Malta. The vessel was built in the 1960s as part of the Kondor I class of patrol boats, designed for coastal patrol and minesweeping operations.

History[edit | edit source]

The P31 was originally launched in 1969 as FSR 206, serving in the German Navy. In 1992, the boat was decommissioned and sold to Malta, where it was renamed P31 and served in the Armed Forces of Malta until 2004.

Design and Construction[edit | edit source]

The P31 is a Kondor I class patrol boat, built by the Lürssen shipyard in Bremen, Germany. The vessel is 52.12 meters long, with a beam of 7.12 meters and a draft of 2.3 meters. It is powered by four diesel engines, giving it a top speed of 20 knots.

Service in Malta[edit | edit source]

In Malta, the P31 was used for patrol and search and rescue operations. The vessel was involved in several high-profile missions, including the rescue of migrants in the Mediterranean Sea.

Decommissioning and Sinking[edit | edit source]

The P31 was decommissioned in 2004 and subsequently purchased by a local diving company. In 2009, the vessel was intentionally sunk off the coast of Comino, where it now serves as a popular dive site.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Today, the P31 is one of the most popular wreck dives in Malta. The vessel lies in 20 meters of water, and is home to a variety of marine life.

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.