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

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

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

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

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

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.

See Also

• List of patrol vessels of the Armed Forces of Malta
• Armed Forces of Malta