SS Rosslyn.
The SS Rosslyn is a steel merchant steamship lying on a sandy seabed at the foot of Gibraltar's South Mole in about 23 m of water. She is the largest wreck in the area and is described by the local dive centre as its most popular site. The wreck is listed and protected under Gibraltar's Heritage and Antiquities Act.
What's down there.
- Intact bow section, twisted to starboard
- Large anchors
- Boilers and triple-expansion steam engine
- Propeller shaft and stern assembly
- Purple gorgonians covering parts of the wreck
- Octopus
- Cuttlefish
- Conger and moray eels
- Nudibranchs
- Spider crabs and common lobster
- Scorpionfish
- Damselfish and large wrasse
- Gorgonian sea fans
Seabed about 23 m at the foot of the South Mole's outer slope; one source gives 21–23 m
Boat dive only. Sandy seabed at about 23 m. The dive centre recommends Advanced Open Water certification or above because of the depth.
How it got there.
Merchant steamship built in 1902 and described as a Cardiff steamer; 3,679 tons; about 104–107 m (340–350 ft) long with a beam of about 18 m (60 ft). Returning from Malta without cargo, she was anchored off the South Mole when a strong south-westerly gale caused her to drag her anchor towards the harbour defences at the end of February 1916. Despite assistance from two government tugs she sank the following morning; all the crew were taken off safely and no lives were lost.
38 dives.
From the reconstructed log — the dates follow the pattern I dived, so read them as representative rather than exact.