Mexican-born Canadian athlete, entrepreneur, and freediver Tavi Castro has made a return to Maltese waters, this time diving an astonishing 36 metres to reach the iconic Kristu tal-Baħħara (Christ of the Sailors) statue.

Known for his diverse career as a bodybuilder, actor, music producer, and freediver, Tavi currently resides in the Netherlands. He first captured Malta’s attention last year after sharing stunning underwater shots next to one of the island’s world-famous shipwrecks.

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Now, he’s back on the rock (and under the sea), pushing his limits yet again by descending deep into the blue to stand beside one of Malta’s most unique underwater landmarks.

The Kristu tal-Baħħara statue, created by Maltese sculptor Alfred Camilleri Cauchi, sits around 35 metres below the surface and about two kilometres off Malta’s coast. Crafted from concrete covered in fibreglass, the statue was commissioned by a committee of divers led by Raniero Borg in 1990 to commemorate Pope John Paul II’s visit to Malta that same year.

Modelled on the famous Christ of the Abyss in San Fruttuoso, Italy, this Maltese version is one of several replicas found around the world. Originally placed near St Paul’s Islands, the statue was later relocated to Qawra Point after a decade, due to declining water visibility and a decrease in divers visiting the site. Today, it rests near the wreck of the MV Imperial Eagle – another popular dive spot connecting Malta’s deep-sea history with its cultural heritage.

Tavi captured the entire descent on video, and it’s every bit as awe-inspiring as it sounds – take a look!

Would you dare dive this deep?