History

The Outer Section forms the second major surviving portion of HMS Erin, a 394-ton Royal Navy anti-submarine trawler lost during the Second World War.

In February 1942, the vessel was sabotaged while berthed alongside the South Mole. Following the incident, the wreck was dismantled to clear the harbour, with substantial sections relocated and deposited on the seabed. Today, the remains survive as two separate archaeological sites known as the Inner and Outer sections.

The wreck has been the subject of archaeological survey and historical research through the Nautical Archaeology Society's "Adopt a Wreck" initiative. These investigations have helped document the surviving remains and improve our understanding of the vessel's construction, loss and subsequent history.

Site Description

The Outer Section lies approximately 40 metres from the Inner Section on a gently sloping sandy seabed at a depth of around 28 metres.

This part of the wreck consists primarily of the vessel's stern, which now rests leaning towards its starboard side. One of the most prominent surviving features is the large steam engine, which has become displaced and now lies twisted within the wreckage. Behind it are the remains of former accommodation spaces together with the base of what was once the galley superstructure.

The wreck is crossed by numerous steel cables and contains areas of distorted metalwork with exposed sharp edges, requiring careful navigation by divers. The original three-bladed propeller was recovered from the site in 1985.

Like the Inner Section, the wreck has become an important artificial reef supporting a diverse range of marine life. Numerous fish species inhabit the structure, while sheltered recesses provide habitat for lobsters, conger eels and other marine organisms.

Further Reading

Those wishing to explore the history and archaeological investigation of HMS Erin in greater depth are encouraged to read Underwater Gibraltar: A Guide to the Rock’s Submerged Sites, by Phil Smith and Darren Fa. The publication provides a detailed account of the vessel and many of Gibraltar's other submerged heritage sites and is available through the Gibraltar National Museum and selected booksellers.

HMS Erin stern wreck piece.